The mask protocol at American University has been one of the most inconsistent parts of the school year for many students.
On March 21, American University’s mask mandate was lifted. This announcement came soon after Georgetown University announced their mask-optional policy, which also went into effect on March 21.
Students had many opinions about the lifting of the mandate. Some were excited and others were distraught at the idea of their peers making them feel unsafe.
Many students continued wearing masks to class, but seeing students without masks in hallways, the library and dining facilities around campus became increasingly common.
However, as of Tuesday masks will no longer be optional in any indoor spaces on campus.
American University reinstated the mask mandate due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the Washington, D.C. region.
The news came quickly with AU sharing the announcement via email just one day before it was set to go into effect.
Several students wish for more clarity from administration.
Sophomore Mads Wooten shared concerns about the short notice. “People are sometimes not wearing their masks in class now,” she said. “Today my professor didn’t even know it was reinstated, so I don’t think [administration is] doing the greatest job.”
An email sent on Monday morning announced that masks will be required in all campus buildings except when actively eating or drinking or inside of their own room.
Faculty can now decide whether or not to wear a mask while teaching, which is different from AU’s previous mask mandate.
The email stated that community members must wear “well-fitting, high-quality masks such as N95s or KN95s.”
From KN95’s to no masks and back again, what are students thinking?
Sophomore Katherine Greenstein shared their thoughts with Her Campus.
Greenstein, who is currently self-isolating after an exposure to the virus, thinks the reinstated mandate is the right call., “I don’t think the mandate should’ve been lifted in the first place,” they said. “I’m extremely bitter about the lifting of the mandate and all the terror, illness and death it has caused in the D.C. community.”
“I’m grateful they’re listening,” said Greenstein about AU’s decision. “Better late than never, but I still feel neglected. I still feel left behind. I still feel like an afterthought.”
Many students’ emotions seem to be negative.
Contrary to Greenstein, a sophomore student at American shared, “I was very happy when the mask mandate was lifted, because I was very much sick and tired of wearing them all the time.”
“I think the reinstatement of masks is foolish and stupid,” he said. “Sylvia Burwell sincerely needs to stop flip-flopping on topics and needs to get her act together. I am a student who does not support her being the president of this school anymore because she is a travesty.”
What is your opinion on AU’s mask mandate being reinstated?