Having read the recent news coverage of parent and citizen protests over the state-wide Health Department order for all persons in our schools, students, faculty and staff alike, to wear face coverings, I am appalled by those who cite a “right” not to require their children to wear masks, often based on some malarkey such as “psychological damage” or “child abuse.” There is no scientific evidence which supports claims that masks are harmful to children’s physical or mental health.

Moreover, in which constitution, that of the United States or Pennsylvania, is such a “right” specified? I know of no “right” specified in either of those documents that allows anyone of any age to place others in harm’s way or to be a spreader of disease. There are times when one’s personal freedom must be constrained for the common good. This is one of them, even for school children.

As a former school district superintendent, I have the utmost empathy and respect for current district superintendents and school board members, who must decide the correct setting for affording their students an appropriate education. Dealing with the COVID pandemic has been like no other problem I can recall in my many years as a public school educator. It is more difficult to deal with than trying to pack a dozen live eels into a lunch bucket. In my view, the lies and misinformation being spread about via Facebook and other social media are major instigators of the unrest our school officials are having to tolerate. They need the patience of Job to see this crisis through and many seem to have it, thank God.

OSCAR W. KNADE

Montoursville

Submitted via Virtual Newsroom