MASKS: Your way, our way

Compromise is an odd thing these days. Imbalanced is how I would describe the current complexion of the Coeur d’Alene School District. Your way has lasted long enough, it is time for a new approach.

Remove the imposing elephant in the room. The mask mandate hurts children. Yes, hurts children. Our way honors parental rights (which used to mean something) and allows both pro and foe to make an intimate, developmentally crucial decision for themselves.

Let’s try our way. Your way lasted 7 months. We are asking for 7 weeks. I hold an AAS in human services and have multiple certifications. I have worked with children from all across the country. Our family has struggled mightily since the closure and mandate were unilaterally imposed upon us. The scars are real and for some families they may never fully recover.

Please, look across the Prairie to Rathdrum (our way), and ask yourself, “What am I missing?”

GABRIEL HERNDON

Coeur d’Alene