Two Kelowna grade schools were the target of protests by anti-maskers on Monday morning.
Witnesses of the small early morning demonstration outside of Rutland Senior Secondary and Rutland Middle School said the half-dozen protesters were handing out leaflets that contained claims of the ineffectiveness of masks against the COVID-19 virus 香蕉视频直播� contrary to the advice of health officials. A sign was also propped up by the protesters calling to 香蕉视频直播榙efund mainstream media香蕉视频直播� naming a number of local and national news organizations.
School District 23 superintendent Kevin Kaardal said he was 香蕉视频直播渄isappointed香蕉视频直播� about the demonstration taking place in front of the schools but says his students are educated about the value of masks.
香蕉视频直播淲e live in a country where people have a right to free speech 香蕉视频直播� that香蕉视频直播檚 why we educate them,香蕉视频直播� Kaardal said, adding the district has several safety measures in place, including mandatory masking in certain areas, and supports the advice given by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
香蕉视频直播淲e香蕉视频直播檙e disappointed if they香蕉视频直播檙e wanting to come to schools to (protest) but if they香蕉视频直播檙e on public property I guess they can do that as long as they don香蕉视频直播檛 interrupt the operations of schools.
香蕉视频直播淚 have a lot of faith in our students.香蕉视频直播�
Kaardal said there was limited interaction between students and protesters and principals from both schools were outside ensuring the safety of the students as the demonstration progressed.
The RCMP was called to the scene when the demonstration began as it was initially on school property.
香蕉视频直播淥fficers attended and requested that the group conduct their demonstration on the sidewalk. The group complied with the request and moved to the sidewalk to prevent further disruption of school activities,香蕉视频直播� said Const. Solana Par茅 of the Kelowna RCMP.
香蕉视频直播淭he RCMP is here to uphold the law, maintain the public peace and ensure safety for all parties, including the protesters.香蕉视频直播�
The demonstration went on for about an hour around 8:30 a.m., as many students were arriving at school.
READ MORE: Central Okanagan Public Schools thanks educators on World Teacher香蕉视频直播檚 Day
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: michael.rodriguez@kelownacapnews.com
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