In July, Texas Governor Greg Abbott put in place a ban on mask mandates. As the school year began though, some school districts in Texas decided to go against the Governor’s mandate. The El Paso ISD is no different and is now requiring students to wear masks. Skyler, a student at Burges High School in El Paso, decided it was not best for him to wear a mask. What happened next sparked protest outside his school.
He was separated from other students and sent to learn in an ‘alternative program’ with students who fought, did drugs or other more serious acts against policy. He feels this treatment is unfair and violates his freedom. Many people seem to agree and for the last week people have come out to protest on his behalf. I came to one of these protests to see what was happening.
What I found most interesting was the fact that many students did not put on masks until they walked on school property. It appeared that some students wear masks not because they feel it’s best, but because the school required them to do so. Is it a slippery slope from here? We are told the point of mandatory masks on campus is to keep kids safe from Coronavirus. Are students suddenly immune from COVID off campus? It just begs the question how far will mandatory masks go. Will students eventually be told they cannot come to school if they don’t wear a mask at all times…including off school premises?
I was able to hear from those who thought he was in the right and those who believe students should be required to wear masks. One intriguing interaction was the conversation between Skyler’s mom and a student who believed masks should be required. They exchanged opinions and facts, listening to each other respectfully…if only adult to adult disagreement could be this healthy! You can see that interview and more below!