Elementary students in Lumby were greeted by some anti-mask messaging as they came to school Monday morning.
Someone spray-painted the walls of J.W. Inglis school with, “Masking kids is child abuse,” and, “Rise up.”
The statement sparked debate among community members, after Shandel Dyck posted a photo of the vandalism on social media.
“Someone clearly did this to make a statement, and that statement is…’I’m an idiot,’” Matthew Bunnett said.
Sharon Walberg worked at the school for 10 years and is disheartened by the act.
“If this is adults they should know that the kids would be confused by this and asking a lot of questions, this is sad really,” Walberg said. “Some kids would be scared by this. Good way to scare the kids and take away from their learning while they ask teachers questions all day and wonder why someone did this. Poor teachers who have to explain others stupidity. People need to understand that this is not in children’s best interests interfering with their education and feelings of safety. So many teachers now have to explain child abuse today what a great use of their time and what a crappy topic to discuss.”
Deirdra Leanne agreed: “An adults attitude towards these things is everything for a child. My heart goes out to the teachers who have been working through unprecedented times and events. To be handed another handful of stress this Monday morning. Now our little town has to have this fixed, the obligations fall down the line…Someone has to paint over this…Care for confused kiddos, and for what? Have pride in our home, regardless of your stance on masks out school and our teachers didn’t put it in place.”
Meanwhile others don’t disagree with the message.
“They’re not wrong,” Jon Urmetzer said.
Roxsyna Salvas said there’s an easy solution, home school.
Laura Watson doesn’t condone the crime, but she does share the belief.
“I agree with the message. Just not the vandalism.”
Others are fed up with it all.
“So sad that it has come to this,” Liselle Parenteau said. “Children are as sick of this as us adults are.”
READ MORE: Campers parked along Vernon road meet safety standards: Vernon bylaw
READ MORE: COVID-19 exposures at three Vernon elementary schools
@VernonNews
newsroom@vernonmorningstar.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
