A “Freedom Rally” has been scheduled for Thursday evening at Pennfield Middle School, ahead of the regularly scheduled meeting of the North Penn Board of School Directors.
Organized by Tom Borneman, who heads the Upper Gwynedd Republican Committee, and Lansdale resident Yanni Lambros, who has been an outspoken critic of the current 9-0 Democratic board, the rally seeks to raise awareness to concerns they feel have been dismissed by the board during public comment periods at previous meetings.
Among those concerns: mask mandates, critical race theory and “pornographic” books in school libraries.
In a video primer for the rally, which was viewed by North Penn Now, organizers said that what they believe to be unjustified mask mandates have had a negative impact on students’ education, mental health and individuality. Additionally, the video refers to the alleged teaching of critical race theory as “racist and divisive,” and takes aim at books they feel are inappropriate for children — including Maia Kobabe’s “Gender Queer” — which have been found in school libraries.
Organizers are encouraging the community to attend the rally, as well as residents of neighboring districts. The rally is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 outside of Pennfield Middle School, located at 726 Forty Foot Road in Hatfield Township.
“Anyone who plans on attending, please stay mindful of the surroundings, even if provoked or disgusted by the board,” said the organizers, in the primer video. “We must win the kids freedom the right way – peacefully and legally.”
When reached for comment, North Penn School Board President Tina Stoll said the board has no knowledge of the planned rally, and they do not have anything to add at this time.
The school board meeting is scheduled to be held in the school on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.
See also:
North Penn School District Superintendent to Retire at End of School Year
Federal ADA Lawsuits Make for A Risky Situation for NPSD in Lifting Masking Requirements
North Penn School Board Addresses Threatening Phone Call, Reveals Details of Exercise in Question
North Penn Issues Statement After Image Surfaces of Teacher Taping Mask to Student
Pennfield Social Studies Teacher Passes Away on Christmas After Short Battle with COVID-19
