Administrators at a number of schools in Salmon Arm had to lock their doors Friday after anti-vaccine protestors got into the school buildings.
A letter to parents signed by School District 83 Superintendent Donna Kriger said the incidents come after a number of recent protests on at the district’s office on Wednesday and Thursday from people opposed to vaccines and masks.
“This morning these protesters did something which was completely unacceptable which was choosing to enter schools in and around Salmon Arm,” she said.
The schools were put on a hold and secure to ensure the safety of staff and students – meaning students were not allowed to come and go from the building for the rest of the day.
The hold and secure was lifted at the end of the school day.
Soon after word got out social media lit up with many people voicing their disgust that schools – like hospitals – were not the proper place for such a protest.
“So my kids school is on lock down because protesters entered the schools today? Seriously? Protest all you want but pick the right place and where my child is learning is not it,” one parent in Salmon Arm said on twitter.
Another person, Carrie Mae Garber, said protests need to be directed to the local MLAs office or to Interior Health.
“Leave the school board, administration, teachers and students out of it,” she wrote on twitter as well.
Friday’s protests came after Interior Health announced COVID-19 vaccination clinics planned for schools in various communities, including in Salmon Arm, so students and staff could get immunized.
In a statement, RCMP say they were called to two Salmon Arm-area schools after four protestors “attended the schools”.
“Protestors were met by a security guard at the school, asked to leave and were gone when police arrived,” RCMP North District spokesperson, Cpl. Madonna Saunderson, said. “The protestors left without incident and the school followed their safety protocols and all students were safe.”
Still, Kriger said doors to all SD83 schools will be locked when students return to class on Monday next week.
“We ask that you notify the school office if you require access to the building,” Kriger said, noting the school district will be working with the RCMP to ensure that protestors are kept off of school district properties.
“Please know that the intent of our actions is to maintain environments which are safe for all students and staff.”
In a Sept. 9 letter to parents, Kriger said the province had asked school districts cooperate with local health authorities to allow pop-up vaccine for families and students who are over the age of 12.
“As an educational organization we believe parents, guardians, and caregivers play an important and necessary role in educating their children,” she said.” As a result, I ask that you take the time to discuss the topic of vaccination with your children.”
“We are grateful for you our stakeholders, as you are much needed partners in ensuring our schools remain open for face-to-face instruction.”
Interior Health told NL News that under the Infants Act, people between the age of 12 and 17 can give their consent to get healthcare as a ‘mature minor’ – meaning they do not need permission from a parent or guardian in order to get a vaccine.
– With files from Jeff Andreas
