‘Mask wars’ lead to metal detectors, police at Moore school board meeting
CARTHAGE, N.C. Sept 14 2021— Some parents’ opposition to mask mandates in public schools has led at least one district to ramp up security measures at school board meetings.
The Moore County Board of Education is meeting Monday at 4 p.m. to discuss the current mask mandate, among other topics. Although staff have recommended the mandate stay in place, the board will hold a vote because state law requires a monthly discussion on the issue.
The public will be allowed to comment beginning at 6:30 p.m., but with many parents angry about mask mandates, the district is taking additional precautions.
Under police recommendation, the following will be enforced at Monday’s meeting:
Strict capacity limits at the meeting place
A metal detector screening at the building entrance for everyone in attendance
Officials initially said that protests and demonstrations would not be allowed, but said on Monday that the school board and sheriff’s office would accommodate for a “peaceful demonstration,” before the meeting on Monday afternoon.
The meeting has also been moved from a local elementary school to the district’s central office, where there will be a heightened police presence.
A sign up sheet for public comment will be posted outside of the location during the meeting. People who wish to offer public comment over the phone instead can sign up online beginning at 5:45 p.m. or by calling 910-944-3171.
According to Moore County Schools, the district is aware of no threats to the safety or security of students, staff, parents or visitors. The precautions are only “to help ensure a safe and orderly board meeting,” a statement read.
A protest over masks is planned on Monday at the Harnett County Board of Education meeting, which occurs at 6 p.m.
A group of parents who call their initiative “the fight for a parent’s choice” plan on gathering at the meeting with signs before signing up for public comment. Harnett leaders did not indicate if they will take security measures similar to Moore County’s.
Last week, there were more than 200 reported COVID-19 cases within Harnett County Schools, and 1,400 people were in quarantine. Two varsity athletic teams in Harnett County are in also quarantine after players became infected with COVID-19.
Harnett County Schools originally decided masks were optional for the year but reversed their decision prior to school starting as cases spiked, largely due to the Delta variant.
In Johnston County, where a similar reversal took place, a board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday night. At the July meeting of that body, more than 100 people protested mask mandates and there are reports that a large crowd is expected again. Two groups — Citizen Advocates for Accountable Government (CAAG) and JCPS Parents for Freedom — are organizing a march and protest.
Protests against mask mandates in other states have turned dangerous. Outside a school board meeting near Nashville, Tennessee, protesters swarmed medical professionals who had spoken in support of masking, screaming profanity and threats. “You will never be allowed in public again!” one raged. “We know who you are,” another warned. “You can leave freely, but we will find you!”
At a school board meeting in Lee County, Florida, one anti-mask speaker linked the board’s support of a mandate with support for child sex trafficking. Outside, law enforcement officers had to break up physical altercations.
Just before a scheduled meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a protester sporting a “Not Vaccinated” T-shirt spritzed a tray of masks with lighter fluid and set it aflame, proclaiming, “It’s time to pass off this symbol of tyranny!” The board postponed its mask discussion.
