Parents in Chicago are growing frustrated with mask mandates in schools. | Canva
Parents in Chicago are growing frustrated with mask mandates in schools. | Canva
The parents of children in Archdiocese of Chicago schools are expressing frustration with the mask mandates being kept in place despite a judge's restraining order.
Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge Raylene Grischow issued a temporary restraining order Feb. 4 that prevents schools in the state from requiring masks in classrooms.
Depsite the ruling, Chicago Catholic Schools Superintendent Greg Richmond said that allowing students to attend class without a mask is not a good idea as it "would create confusion and disruption in our schools."
Kristie and Ryan Coffey are parents of two unvaccinated St. Catherine's of Alexandria students, they expressed anger at the mask mandates and COVID policies kept in place by the school.
"I could not be more disappointed and embarrassed of the Archdiocese of Chicago," the Coffeys said. "[Through] these mandates the Archdiocese of Chicago has single-handedly reintroduced segregation into the school based on vaccination status! It is appalling that children are awarded a 'get out of jail card' for having a vaccine."
The Coffeys are not alone in their complaint, despite evidence that shows that vaccines are helping to save lives. The family and other families around the nation maintain that it is oppressive to require that the vaccine be administered to attend school or work.
Brian Burch, president and founder of Catholic Vote, headquartered in Madison, Wisc, said parents should remove their children from Illinois Catholic schools that are breaching the judge's ruling by forcing them to wear masks.
Some parents have begun sending students to school without masks regardless of whether the school was included in the ruling or not. Some schools, including Hinsdale Central High School, have taken to isolating unmasked students in auditoriums.
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