Mask Mandate Removal has ACIT Students Reacting Differently

On March 7, 2022 Governor Murphy’s lifting of the mask mandate officially went into effect for public schools in New Jersey. Students returned back to school with the option of wearing their masks or not. What’s fascinating, a week into this new normal, is the spectrum of logic students hold regarding why and when they choose or choose not to wear masks.

Several students only wear them in the crowded halls, while others only take theirs off when they physically can’t have it on. Others just choose to keep it on or off the whole day.

“I always wear them in the hallways because it’s always extremely crowded,” said junior Miguel Alvarez-Molini. “I don’t really feel comfortable having it off around a whole bunch of people. I have no idea who they are, or where they’ve been.”

“I always have it off,” said junior Anthony Ortiz. I’m pretty content with the change. It feels nice to have an option now.”

“I mostly keep my mask off in my academy,” said Junior Vi’Monae Napper. “Since I’m in culinary, and there’s a bunch of stoves and ovens, it’s really hot in there.”

To get a closer look into how students feel about the mask mandate, The Pursuit conducted a school-wide survey asking students if they’d still wear their masks after the mandate was lifted. 42.5% of students said they’d still wear their masks. 26.8% said they might still wear it. 30.8% said they would no longer wear their masks at all.

The survey reflects what many are already seeing in the classrooms and hallways post mask mandate: a variety of attitudes and perspectives.

“I’m happy about it because now I can breathe freely,” one participant said. “But I’m also somewhat nervous because I’m afraid I might get something and pass it on to my grandparents.”

Others are concerned due to the size of our school and the crowded halls between classes.

“I think it is foolish to lift the mask mandate,” said another survey participant. “Our school is huge.”

Many of those still choosing to wear a mask in school do so out of concern for others.

“I will continue to wear mine,” said one participant,” because I don’t want to get any of my (vulnerable) family members sick.”

Despite the fact that students have different approaches to the mandate, the concerns are fairly similar with fears of spreading the virus to the vulnerable to fears of another spike in cases. Additionally, there have been no reports of students disrespecting others for their mask choices.

To track the latest COVID cases in Atlantic County, visit The New York Times.