Hundreds gathered outside the Uintah County building on Vernal’s Main Street on Monday evening for a protest of the Governor’s school mask mandate. Many in attendance held up signs with statements like “I do NOT Consent”, “Fear is the Real Virus”, “Stop the Brain Washing”, “Governor Herbert, You’re Not My Dad!”, “ Masks Equals Muzzles”, “It Should Be A Choice, Not A Mandate”, and messages about freedom. Event organizer Bobby Oostveen as well as others gave passionate speeches on the Uintah County lawn followed by a peaceful march up and down several blocks of downtown Vernal. When asked after the event, Oostveen shared that he was pleased with the turnout and hoped that those in positions of leadership were listening. He also encouraged anyone who does not agree with the school mask mandate to contact the school board member of the district in which they live and let them know how you feel.
