Group protests West Des Moines school mask mandate
A group of parents protested a new mask mandate Monday morning in West Des Moines.
About 20 parents and students gathered outside the Learning Resource Center holding signs that read "parental choice."
That's what they were demanding from the school district this morning — the right to choose if their children wear masks in school to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
"I don't think you have the authority at all to tell me what I can do with my children," said West Des Moines parent Ronda Bern. "I think it's the parent's right to choose, I think the mask mandates are a distraction from the larger issue of parental authority."
The mandate also requires students to wear masks indoors during athletics or activities and that spectators and visiting teams do the same.
Urbandale’s mandate also went into effect Monday after the school board approved it last week.
Des Moines' and Ames' mask mandates are also active. Students could be sent home if they refuse to wear a face covering.