Campus News
February 24, 2022
PAGE 3
Masks... off?
Springfield College students react to the College’s proposed mask policy, which states that masks only need to be worn in academic buildings. It is expected to go into effect when the city reevaluates its policy on March 1. _ By Garrett Cote _ @garrett_cote
It has felt like an eternity since March 2020, despite it being only two years. Since that time, the entire world experienced a global lockdown; there were protests and marches flooding streets across America in response to the murder of George Floyd, forests were rapidly decimated and destroyed by wildfires, and a seemingly infinite amount of unjust violence gripped each and every person as tight as a vice. With draining negative headlines filling newsstands and televisions over the past 23 and a half months, it’s hard to believe something positive is even possible. But, on Feb. 17, Springfield College announced in an email that students who are fully vaccinated would likely no longer be required to wear masks in the majority of on-campus buildings starting March 1, depending on the City’s updated
Mayor of Springfield Domenic Sarno is exptected to lift indoor mask mandates March 1. Once his final decision is made, the College will follow suit. (Photo Courtesy 22News WWLP)
guidelines. The only places masks will still be needed are in academic buildings, including the Learning Commons. Finally, something positive. “I heard about it from one of my friends. They
said the school was going to be sending out an email about no masks, but I didn’t believe him at first,” said Springfield junior Jason Earle. “Just the way things have been going with the school being strict
about guidelines, I didn’t think they would do this, at least not this year. But when I finally got the email, I was like, ‘Wow, this is a really big step.’ This is the first time in like two years we will be in buildings
without a mask on.” The steps being taken, no matter how big or small, are vitally important to those on Alden Street. They have adhered to every rule and guideline the College has input. Although the decision may seem overdue to some students, it doesn’t take away the pure joy of seeing the full faces of the Springfield College community. “I thought this was long overdue, to be completely honest,” said Springfield College junior Daevin Brazeal. “Since this year started, I felt like we were doing pretty well with the COVID stuff. We were required to be vaccinated and get the booster, so I thought that was going to change some of the mandates, but it didn’t. I’m definitely happy they made the decision to finally change the guidelines. I’m excited to see everyone’s face again.” See Masks continued on Page 8
