This Elmhurst Politician Joins Anti-Mask Protest

ELMHURST, IL — Elmhurst Alderman Mark Mulliner showed up at Thursday morning's anti-mask rally outside Emerson Elementary School before its 7:30 a.m. scheduled start.

The Ward 7 alderman made no bones about his opposition to the state's mask mandate.

"I believe you have to give people the choice," he said.

Over the summer, Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin required masks be worn inside city buildings. Days later, Gov. J.B. Pritzker instituted a state mask mandate, which included schools.

Some towns are defying the governor's mandate. For instance, the city of Elk Grove no longer requires the wearing of masks in its buildings. At a recent Elk Grove Village Board meeting, members were maskless.

The Elmhurst City Council is a different story: Everyone, including Mulliner, wears masks.

Asked whether he would wear a mask at the next council meeting, Mulliner said he had not decided. He said he does not believe that masks need to be worn at council sessions.

At the demonstration, nearly 100 people showed support for Emerson fifth grader Emmett Thompson, who recently decided not to wear a mask to class. In response, the school is requiring Emmett do his schoolwork in the principal's office.

Mulliner held a sign that read, "Stand With Emmett: Follow the Science, Unmask Our Children."

Mulliner said a lot of people in Elmhurst oppose the mask mandate. He said Emmett's decision may inspire more to make their opposition known.

Mulliner is a former director of technology for Elmhurst School District 205.