Masks no longer being forced on campus is the first step to achieving the normalcy of an education we all are paying for. Now with many people getting vaccines one could argue that the campus is already a safer place when it concerns COVID. It is not the vast majority of students that are experiencing the harsher spectrum of the COVID symptoms. Therefore, those who are still weary of catching COVID should have the option to stay home and take their classes online. Moreover, the students who want to put their education first, should be allowed to attend class (without a mask) and return to normalcy with obtaining a higher education. 

As per Governor Abbot's statement, after May 10th he is lifting the mask mandate leaving the option to the citizens to choose whether or not to wear their mask. This option too, should be given to the students at Texas A&M. We urge Texas A&M officials to follow in Governor Abbotts footsteps and to leave the decision to each individual.