A parent at a Texas public school stripped down to his underwear on Monday while arguing at a school board meeting that students should wear masks, according to local reports.
James Akers, a 15-year resident of the community and parent at the Dripping Springs Independent School District, removed his clothing to highlight inconveniences he faces that benefit others in an argument promoting masks for students and faculty, according to Austin-based news outlet KXAN.
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“I do not like the government or any other entity — just ask my wife — telling me what to do,” Akers said while removing his jacket. “At work, they make me wear this jacket. I hate it. They make me wear this shirt and tie. I hate it,” he said while taking off his tie, shirt and pants.
“On the way over here, I ran three stop signs and four red lights,” Akers said ironically. “I almost killed somebody out there, but by God, they’re my roads too. So I have every right to drive as fast as I want to, make the turns that I want to.” (RELATED: Two Florida School Districts Will Not Allow Students To Opt Out Of Mask Mandates)
“It’s a simple protocol people,” Akers said. “We follow certain rules for a very good reason.”
Officers did not remove Akers from the meeting, and he put his clothes back on after a request by the school board president Barbara Stroud, according to KXAN.
“Mr. Akers, I understand — I believe you’re a swimmer — but if you would mind putting your pants back on for a comment, that would be appreciated,” Stroud said.
“There are too many voices out there that I think are digging in for political reasons and absolutely not thinking about the common sense decisions we make every day to comply with everything,” Akers said in a follow-up interview with KXAN.
Masks are currently recommended by the school district but not required for students, staff and other employees.
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