In a video posted May 17th to the MT Women for Freedom Facebook Group, concerned mothers can be seen attempting to attend the East Helena School Board meeting before being blocked by the Superintendent. The meeting was set to review masking policy for the school district and school children.

In the video, officials, including Superintendent Ron Whitmoyer, can be seen asking the mothers to leave the building. The mothers stand their ground and tell the Superintendent that the legislature’s bill modifying trespass law to disallow the removal of people from public buildings based on mask wearing was signed by Governor Gianforte on May 14th. The mothers had the right to be there. Without a mask.

“We just want to protect our kids,” one mother can be heard saying. “That’s what we’re doing here Mr. Whitmoyer,” she pleaded.

“You’re messing it up is what you’re doing,” replied Superintendent Whitmoyer.

To another mother who would not leave, Whitmoyer complained, “I don’t want to fight with you all the time about this. It’s been the same rule. Please.”

After being forced to go outside the building for a conversation with officials including Superintendent Whitmoyer, one mother explained, “I’m tired of suffocating the children and you should be, too. I never should have stood for this to begin with.” A man with Whitmoyer responded to her, “Why are you all upset? I don’t understand.”

The video is heartbreaking to watch, but these brave mothers of East Helena Public Schools did strike a win. Even though Superintendent Whitmoyer said he and the administration preferred no changes to the mask policy, the board ultimately voted 5-2 last Wednesday to make masks optional for everyone inside of school district buildings in East Helena Public Schools.

Go Moms!

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