Bucks County parents’ differing opinions on school masking policies has been simmering for months. Now, as restrictions and the school year ebb, tempers are still at the boiling point, reports Emily Rizzo for WHYY. 

Central Bucks School and Council Rock School Districts both see themselves in a no-win situation among parents.  

On the one side, parents see mask mandates dropping in other contexts — public spaces, sporting events, restaurants) — and wonder Why not school? 

Conversely, parents, adhering to current CDC recommendations still in effect, want the masks to stay in place. They cite, among other reasons, the dwindling school calendar. We’ve come this far, why not hang on for another handful of days? they propose.

The rancor between the camps, however, may last far beyond the last day of school. A Facebook group of those wanting to drop the coverings publicly listed the supporters of the opposing view — by name. Fears of targeting surfaced. 

One pro-mask mom, who declined giving her name, was eager that facial coverings remain in place in deference to her child’s underlying heart condition. 

Another, Kate Jarema, wants the cloth-and-elastic fabric shields to go. 

She said her 7th grader and sophomore have suffered. 

“Mentally they’re just drained. They can’t stand it. In school, it’s so ridiculous,” said Jarema. “They’re not allowed to talk to one another because of these social distancing rules.” 

More on this contentious issue is at WHYY.