'Open Our Schools' Yard Sign Event Set For Friday In Blue Bell

BLUE BELL, PA — Protests and demonstrations continue against Montgomery County's order to close schools to in-person instruction for two weeks, with the latest event offering providing "hundreds" with yard signs demanding schools stay open.

And over a hundred more participants are expected at the next pickup event on Friday.

Organizers said the drive-through event will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Wentz Run Park in Blue Bell. It's being put together by an organizations called Voice for Choice.

"Over the past nine months elected officials have attempted to condition residents of Pennsylvania to follow the science but have not applied their own message to their new vote to close all schools within Montgomery County," said organizer Clarice Schillinger. "There is zero science that backs up any spread happening within school."

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In making the decision to send schools in the county to all virtual education from Nov. 23 to Dec. 6, officials cited guidance from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Policy Lab, as well as an anticipated increase in cases following Thanksgiving gatherings.

A GoFundMe was also launched to fund the signs. Small donations are request at the in-person pickup event.

Other recent protests have been held before the Montgomery County Board of Health Offices and in front of Commissioner Val Arkoosh's home in Wyndmoor.

"Not only are children across our community fighting with isolation and mental health, there are a number of children who rely heavily on schools for critical services," organizers of Friday's even added. "Children across this community who utilize schools for a number of reasons: children with learning disabilities (IEP), children who look to school as a safe haven from abuse, children who get their only meals at school, and so much more."

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Further, a lawsuit was filed Wednesday claiming that the county violated the Sunshine Act in its conduction of the public meetings regarding the closures. The county has said they've done nothing wrong.