Following Kansas State University’s decision to end forced masking on their college campuses, the students of the University of Kansas call upon our administration to do the same. Currently other Big 12 Universities, such as Iowa State, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia have established policies that encourage, not mandate, masking practices.

As students we are yearning to know our peers and experience a normal, collaborative educational environment. These mandates are taking a toll on our mental health. We need a change, we need to be heard.   

56.8% of the Student population have uploaded vaccine records and in Douglas County 70.92% of individuals have been recorded to have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. These statistics show that we have taken necessary measures to battle the virus. 

It is time to trust the choice of the individual to make their own, individual decision regarding their health. We ask those who are unvaccinated to take extra measures to mask and social distance when in close contact with other individuals. We ask that the students, staff, and faculty respect the decisions and privacy of the student as they navigate what is best for them. 

With that said, we ask the University of Kansas and the The Pandemic Medical Advisory Team to reconsider their forced masking policies.