Nearly 100 Show For Elmhurst Anti-Mask Rally

ELMHURST, IL — Emmett Thompson, a fifth grader at Emerson Elementary School in Elmhurst, received support Thursday for his decision not to wear a mask in school.

Before class started, nearly 100 people, including Elmhurst Alderman Mark Mulliner, stood on the sidewalk outside the school protesting the requirement that Thompson do his schoolwork in the principal's office if he is maskless. TV cameraman were on hand.

Participants held signs reading, "Don't tread on me," "Stand with Emmett," "Follow the Science: Unmask the Kids" and "Stop Bullying Emmett." One man wore a ball cap that read, "Let's go, Brandon," which has a backstory of opposition to President Joe Biden.

Emmett was at the demonstration, and so were his parents, Elizabeth and Irish Thompson.

Elmhurst resident Elizabeth Thompson on Thursday holds up a sign to support her son Emmett's decision to go to school maskless. At the height of the demonstration, nearly 100 people were present. (David Giuliani/Patch)

In an interview, Emmett said some of his fifth grade classmates see him as bad and are saying negative things because of his opinion.

Emmett has broken down where his classmates stand on his decision. Seven or eight, he said, "totally support me." Another 15 don't say one way or another, staying out of the controversy. And about 30 are opposed to what he is doing, he said.

His parents said that about three weeks ago, Emmett asked them whether he could go to school without a mask. They said they advised him to bring a mask just in case, but they were fine if he did not wear it. They said it was his idea. In response, the school required that he stay in the principal's office.

At times, he joins the other students. For instance, he still attends his math class, wearing a mask.

Emmett Thompson, a fifth grader at Emerson Elementary School, and two other students enter the building after an anti-mask protest. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Elizabeth Thompson, a pediatrician, said she and her husband were not part of the anti-mask and anti-vaccine movements. But she said they question the necessity for children to wear masks in school.

Some drivers on West Avenue honked in support of Emmett. Many others looked ahead and gave no indications they backed Emmett's effort. A few spoke out against it.

One passing motorist expressed support for students wearing masks. "Show me the science," Irish Thompson responded.

In an interview, he said a protester speaking with a driver was not conducive for a detailed conversation on the subject. But Irish Thompson, who is not on social media, said people need to discuss issues such as masks face to face, rather than online.

Irish Thompson said the school's principal, Sheleen DeLockery, has done a good job responding to his family's calls. He said he had spoken with other officials from Elmhurst School District 205. And he said he planned to meet with Superintendent Keisha Campbell later in the morning.

One woman walking her child into the school booed the protesters.

"Pick a real problem," she yelled, suggesting hunger would be a good choice. "You're pathetic."

The demonstrators did not seem to hear her.

A Patch reporter attempted to go to the principal's office to get DeLockery's comment on the situation. School officials were standing in the parking lot. One of them, Associate Superintendent Scott Grens, told the reporter, "You can just walk over there," pointing away from the school toward the protesters.

Later, when the reporter saw DeLockery in another area and started to approach her. Grens yelled from a distance, "I'm not going to tell you again."

Shortly before school started about 8:30 a.m., Emmett walked into the school with a couple of other students. The demonstrators applauded and chanted, "We stand with Emmett." A driver could be heard honking in the background.

This footage is an overview of the anti-mask demonstration Thursday outside Emerson Elementary School in Elmhurst. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Elmhurst resident Paul Kenna shows support Thursday for Emmett Thompson, a fifth grader at Emerson Elementary School who has chosen to go maskless. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Scott Grens, associate superintendent of Elmhurst School District 205 (wearing dark clothing and a cap), barred a Patch reporter from getting near Emerson Elementary School to interview the principal during an anti-mask protest. The principal, Sheleen DeLockery, is to the left wearing a black vest. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Sheleen DeLockery, principal of Emerson Elementary School in Elmhurst, stands outside one of the school's entrances Thursday during a protest over the school's handling of fifth grader Emmett Thompson's decision to go maskless. (David Giuliani/Patch)