A parent in Texas stripped down to his underwear during a board of trustees meeting at the Dripping Springs Independent School District (DSISD). The public forum which took place Monday had been intended as a review of its agenda for its regular board meeting scheduled on Aug. 30.
According to Fox News, less than an hour into the meeting, resident and DSISD parent James Akers took it upon himself to discuss the mask requirement imposed in schools alongside other laws as well as social rules and expectations.
“I do not like the government, or any other entity — just ask my wife — telling me what to do,” Akers said. “But, sometimes I’ve got to push the envelope a little bit, and I’ve just decided that I’m going to not just talk about it, but I’m going to walk the walk.”
While doing so, he began removing his tie and his shirt as he continued to outline precedents and guidelines in place that people are expected to abide by.
The 15-year resident then focused on the mask mandate emphasizing that the concept of inconveniencing some for the benefit of everyone isn’t something that has not been done before. Masks, Akers pointed out, are one of those things people should abide by in an effort to do the right thing out of safety concerns for others. He then proceeded to describe examples of inconveniences that actually benefit others to drive the idea about the importance of wearing masks at this time.
"On the way over here, I ran three stop signs and four red lights. 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," Akers added. The unperturbed parent continued as he took his pants off, "It’s simple protocol, people, we follow certain rules for a very good reason."
Akers ended his public statement in an unforgettable note standing in just his swimming trunks as the meeting quickly descended into laughter and chaos. Security officers at the meeting did not remove Akers from his place
Board President Barbara Stroud addressed Akers’ point of discussion at the same time requesting him to put his clothes back on. “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,” she said.
Akers quickly obliged as he fist bumped an officer who came up to him before walking him back to his seat.
Following his public comment, community members took to social media to voice their opinions on Akers’ actions. Some said what he did was inappropriate in a public forum setting, while others applauded his efforts.
Masks are currently recommended only as an option by DSISD officials and are not mandated for students, staff and other district personnel. No action was taken on the issue of wearing masks during the board meeting.
