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Anti-Mask Group Free NJ Kids Vows To Continue Fighting Murphy Administration Over School Mask Mandate

SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) -- A group of New Jersey parents is again taking Gov. Phil Murphy's administration to court over its mask mandate in schools.

Parents of children who go to Southampton Elementary School have mixed reactions over the mask mandate in schools, but one anti-mask group, Free New Jersey Kids, says it's vowing to keep fighting the Murphy administration.

"We are arguing this is a violation of First Amendment rights" Bruce Afran, an attorney for Free New Jersey Kids, said.

The group Free New Jersey Kids represents about 20 parents and students from around the Garden State and is now appealing a ruling last week from a federal judge, trying to stop forcing masks in schools.

"It impedes speech, it interferes with associations with people, with the normal friendships children develop," Afran said.

The appeal comes as health officials say schools are again seeing COVID-19 spread.

"It's not surprising that we're seeing increases in case rates in schools because we're seeing increases in just general in our cases," Dr. Christina Tan, with the New Jersey Health Department, said.

Murphy adds removing the mask mandate in schools would be "irresponsible."

"Almost certainly, more people would get sick, and my guess is schools would have to shut down," Murphy said.

Murphy says he eventually wants to lift his mask mandate in schools.

"Sooner than later, but we got to do it responsibly," Murphy said.

Parent Capri Harris, who has a child in Southampton Elementary School, put it this way when it comes to students having to wear face coverings.

"I think they should have a mask on without a pandemic. They should. Kids are little hosts," Harris said. "They can come up to you, smile and look cute and have a whole situation going on, and then your nose is running, and you can't combat it."

State health officials say even with masks, there have been more than 240 outbreaks in schools

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