MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — At least two school districts on Long Island saw small demonstrations on Friday with parents demanding that children be free to go maskless in schools.
One mother walked out of Massapequa High Schools with her 16-year-old daughter at her side, telling WCBS 880 that she is furious with the mask policy.
“Who are these people to tell me what to do and what not to do with my children,” she said. “How dare they put mandates to put a mask over my child.”
Her daughter was the only student who was part of the walk-out at the high school, which was part of a nationwide protest organized by Moms for Liberty.
The teenager said she was proud to be part of the walk-out.
“At this point, it’s about control. You know, telling us what to do. It’s my life, who are you to tell me what to do? Nobody in that school wears their mask properly – nobody,” the teen said.
Nassau County's Moms for Liberty Chapter Head Barbara Abboud told WCBS 880 that students at the high schools were threatened with disciplinary action, including not being allowed to play sports, if they walked out.
“They’re basically keeping the children under lock and key, so they're not allowed to stand up for their civil liberties, and they're making it as difficult as possible,” she said.
In Wantagh, no students were part of the walk-out, but about a dozen parents stood outside the high school demanding change.
One father told WCBS 880 that the schools mandate may have consequences in the future.
“I have a message for Wantagh: Hate me or love me, good luck on passing your next budget,” he said.