No masks for Illinois students!

This is abuse to our children! Prolonged use of masks leads to oxygen deprivation........not to mention the mental ramifications from all of this.

This face mask mandate is a violation of our rights and will cause our children psychological and physical harm!

I will homeschool my children if they are forced to wear masks.

I am petitioning to express my family’s opposition to requiring social distancing, masks/cloth face coverings, temperature checks and numerous other measures as a response to COVID-19 in Illinois schools. These procedures are socially, emotionally, psychologically and physically damaging to our children; moreover, there is no solid science to support their implementation. First, current data shows that children are not an at-risk group for COVID-19 (source: tinyurl.com/thechildisnottoblame) and the World Health Organization states that asymptomatic transmission is extremely rare (source: tinyurl.com/covidasymptomatic). Additionally, recent data shows that fatality rates from COVID-19 are akin to a bad seasonal flu (Source: tinyurl.com/covidseverity). Original predictions were grossly inaccurate. Throughout this crisis, many daycare have remained open, and some countries never shut down schools, affirming that schools are not negatively impacting health outcomes. Second, requiring masks or cloth face coverings and social distancing impedes schools in educating while causing psychological harm to students. Masks create a physical distraction to students and act as a barrier for teachers to effectively communicate. Masks and social distancing will psychologically impact students, particularly younger children and those with special needs. These measures reinforce an unhealthy concept of isolation as well as a fear of others, the world and germs. Without the ability to physically interact or see the faces of adults and their peers, the special needs programs in our schools, including speech and occupational therapy, will be unable to function. Furthermore, the New England Journal of Medicine’s May 21, 2020, Perspective states, “We know that wearing a mask outside health care facilities offers little, if any, protection from infection” (source: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2006372). Third, re-outfitting schools so they can adhere to CDC guidelines

It should be a choice

Kids wearing masks all day is cruel and unusual punishment

My child wearing a mask all day at school is harmful and reckless! Read the science as to why they shouldn’t be worn.

Masks are not a good option in my kids middle school where there is NO air conditioning. Kids are supposed to feel safe while at school. I don’t see it happening with all these guidelines that will be out in place.

Please no masks

No to masks or we will be homeschooling!

No masks for students or staff, I believe it's more harmful than protective.

I agree with this 100%. My niece and nephew will not be attending school if this is mandated. I will teach them at home.

I implore you to use the science and statistical data to make a logical decision that is best for our children. The ISBE guidelines will create a cold, sterile, institutional-like feel classroom that is in no way conducive to learning or fostering a love and quest for knowledge. These guidelines put tremendous restraints and demands on both teachers and students, and make the social and emotional welfare of our children a last priority.

i fully agree & understand the content of this petition!! our children who have had few issues with covid 19 should not be forced to cover their identity & personality while promoting other health risks!!

Its not safe for children to wear masks all day!