On Thursday, February 17th, 2022, New Mexico State University lifted its mask mandate in accordance with the state-wide lift made the same day. This reversal of the mask policy, which required that masks be worn over the nose and mouth at all times inside any NMSU building or university-owned vehicle, comes during a time when the entire state of New Mexico is experiencing high rates of Covid.  Regardless of why the statewide mandate was lifted, it is irresponsible to lift the mask mandate on campus with such high county and state Covid rates. Students are stressed about the lack of social distancing in classrooms as it is; the lack of masks now increases people’s risk of getting Covid even more. Sign the petition and take a stance: tell NMSU that we want to keep the mask mandate on campus.