Students discuss new “classroom-only” mask policy

Clarion reporter Tyree Stovall, right, talks about the new mask mandate with Samiah, a freshman wellness major from Tulsa, Okla. Oct. 18, 2021. (Photo by Gracen Gaskins)

By Tyree Stovall/Photos by Gracen Gaskins

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY – A new campus COVID mask policy effective Monday (Oct. 18, 2021) allows students to free their face from coverings everywhere except inside classrooms. Prior to today, students were required to wear mask in all campus buildings, including hallways. If desired, staff may still require students to wear masks in offices. The Clarion asked several students their views on the relaxing of mask policy.

Samiah, a freshman wellness major from Tulsa, Okla.: “Me personally, I hate masks, so it doesn’t bother me. It’s an improvement and will give people a relief.”

Delicia Powell, a psychology major from St. Louis, talks about the new mask mandate with Clarion reporter Tyree Stovall. Oct. 18, 2021. (Photo by Gracen Gaskins)

Delicia Powell, a psychology major from St. Louis: “We should still wear masks and it should be mandated in buildings, especially housing where students live.”

LU journalism student Tyree Stovall discusses the new COVID mask rules with Tia Waters, a junior journalism student. Oct. 18, 2021. (Photo by Gracen Gaskins)

Tiara Waters, a junior journalism major: “I have a hard time breathing with my mask, so it bothers me. It’s an improvement, being that classrooms are tight spaces.

Tre Hendricks, right, an ag business major from Jefferson City, discusses the new mask mandate with Clarion reporter Tyree Stovall. Oct. 18, 2021. (Photo by Gracen Gaskins)

Tre Hendricks, a freshman ag business major from Jefferson City: “An improvement, but not everyone is vaccinated, so I still think we should be cautious and keep our masks on.”

Clarion reporter Tyree Stovall, left, talks about the new mask mandate with Layla a freshman ag and animal science major from Gary, Indiana. Oct. 18, 2021. (Photo by Gracen Gaskins)

Layla, and ag and animal science major from Gary,Ind.: “A new improvement, but we should still have the mandate in the buildings.”