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AKRON, Ohio – The youngest person who spoke out in favor of masks at this week’s school board meeting in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, has decided she isn’t going to let the anti-masks steal her star.
Before Kaylan Park, 10, took the microphone at the controversial meeting, she had seen other pro-mask speakers interrupted by heckling and boos from people who oppose the district’s mask mandate. A few of these opponents ended up leaving the meeting in anger.
Critics were protesting the district’s decision earlier this month to extend its mask tenure until at least October 29 to protect students and staff from COVID-19.
But Kaylan, a fifth grader, didn’t let the tense environment intimidate her.
“It’s super weird to be here because adults don’t think their kids should wear masks,” Kaylan said when it was her turn to speak. ”… Many of you are adults. You should be able to know that masks save lives. “
When some members of the audience disagreed, Kaylan replied, “May I speak please? Let me speak before you go.
His request was met with applause.
But some members of the audience continued to speak, prompting Kaylan to say emphatically, “Please shut up. … It is inappropriate that you cannot remain silent.
Kaylan, who wore a mask bearing the message “Masks Save Lives,” noted that wearing a face covering is an act of kindness to others.
“You are doing it for your safety,” she said. “It’s like kindness. My teacher tells me that when you do something for others, they can do it in return. Wear a mask for them and they will put it back on. Just wear a mask out of kindness. You show kindness.
Some members of the audience stood up and clapped and others were seen patting Kaylan’s shoulder after she returned to her seat.
Board meetings are usually held in the high school library, but Wednesday’s session has been moved to the Natatorium and police presence has been requested after the previous meeting last month was disrupted when several people attended. refused to wear masks.
It is not necessary to cover your face where the meeting took place.
When discussing the mask’s mandate at the end of Wednesday’s meeting, Superintendent Dr. Todd Nichols singled out Kaylan and said, “The reality is I have to keep her in class.”
Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education chairperson Karen Schofield said Kaylan’s interaction with members of the public was a reminder that listening with respect to different perspectives is an important part of civil discussions.
“Whether you are a child or an adult, I believe that continuing to conduct yourself in a responsible and respectful manner is always an ingredient (of civil discourse) regardless of your stance on a particular issue,” said Schofield. “(Kaylan) just reminded us that in order to have a civil speech, you have to listen with respect.”
Kaylan Park, 10, returns to her seat next to her mother, Kenyona “Sunny” Matthews, right, as she is applauded after speaking up for the Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, school district’s mask tenure, well that she was repeatedly interrupted by opponents during a school board meeting on October 6.
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