Students Respond to Change In Campus Mask Mandate

Bryce Bresnahan

March 11, 2022

On Feb. 24, Illinois Central College (ICC) president, Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, announced on their website that the school would be reducing its COVID-19 safety policies on campus. On Feb. 28, the mask mandate became optional but masks are still strongly encouraged.

Students around campus have mixed feelings about the mandate being lifted, though opinions are overall positive. One student was glad to be done with them, believing that masks “…are ridiculous and should’ve never been worn” and that they “just provide a false sense of security for people.” Another said that “giving people the option is the best route.”

While still believing the option to be a good thing, other students raised some concerns about fewer people being masked. One student said that while it was good that people have a choice now, they are concerned about those with increased vulnerability to COVID. “There’s still COVID going on. It could put some people in danger depending on their health issues,” he said. 

Some urged respect for those who continue to wear a mask. “If you’re cautious about that kind of thing, I feel like more people should be more respectful about that,” one student said. Another said that “While I am for personal freedom, I do believe that masks are important.”

At least one student is just happy to be able to see people’s faces again. “I like to see what they [people] say. I always like to see people’s smiling faces and everything,” he said.

Although masks are no longer required on campus, ICC’s vaccination policy will stay the same for now. Students and employees are still required to either vaccinate or follow a weekly COVID-19 testing protocol. Students are strongly encouraged to be considerate of each other during this transition and follow social distancing guidelines whenever possible.