Jan. 26, 2022 — A group of approximately 60 parents and students gathered at the corner of 21^st and Oak Streets today, near the Siuslaw School District (SSD) offices, to protest proposed changes to district policy.  

The protest was in anticipation of a special meeting called by the SSD to discuss potential changes to district policy. Among the policies that will be discussed at the meeting this evening is a mandate requiring athletes to wear masks while competing and also a change in policy that would close the high school’s campus at lunch time, preventing students from leaving school during the school day. 

Both policy changes are attempts by the district to slow the spread of COVID-19 among students and staff.   

Students and their parents held signs and chanted slogans like “Let us Breathe” and “No More Masks.” 

While the protesters were loud, they were civil. The students who participated missed no class time as they attended during their lunch hour.  

The SSD Special Meeting, originally to be conducted remotely, is now being held in person with an option to watch and participate remotely. The board will meet at 6 p.m. at the Siuslaw Middle School commons, 2525 Oak Street. To watch from home, go to bit.ly/SiuslawBoardMeeting.

Note: The story about the meeting is covered in "Let Us Breathe" and will be included in Saturday's edition of the Siuslaw News.