Student Response to Mask Mandate on Campus

Stephanie McClaskey

September 27,  2021

During a recent student survey, students were asked their thoughts on the mask mandate on campus. The most common response was acceptance; only a few felt it was unnecessary.

Most of the students who felt it was unnecessary were vaccinated and believed that being vaccinated should be sufficient. They felt if they were vaccinated, they should have the option of wearing a mask or not.

The levels of compassion demonstrated by a vast majority of the students who were in agreement with the mask mandate not for their benefit but to offer comfort to those at high risk of or in fear of contracting Covid-19. 

Madelyn Bergman, a student, responds, “I feel it is not asking too much. ICC has given us many options of how to comply”. Another student, Madissen Cassidy, agrees, “It’s not a hard thing they are asking us to do, it’s to keep us safe, and we are trying to protect other people.” Austin, who also participated in the survey, brings a very compassionate aspect to light, “ I think it’s perfectly fine personally, it’s designed for health, and whether it works or not, it makes people feel safer, which is what’s important.”  

Again and again, the student body talks of the importance of making their peers feel safe. This level of compassion and care for others’ could greatly impact the spread of Covid-19. If only kindness could spread the way this virus has, then our nation could finally get back to normal and put an end to Covid-19. This sensitivity among our fellow students shows pride in being a Cougar in standing beside those who put others before themselves. 

Photo Credit: Gavin Schroeder