To the Executive Council,

L&C students and community members are very concerned with the college's move to lift the mask mandates on March 12, 2022.

This lift of the mandate is following the earliest possible removal of masks allowed by the State of Oregon. The college has claimed that we are following other schools' decisions to lift mask mandates, but it is important to consider that:

1) Multiple comparable colleges have not released plans to lift mask mandates, and

2) We as a school that prizes itself on inclusivity and equity have an exceptional requirement to ensure that our masking policy is equitable and safe for our students, staff, faculty, and other community members (hereafter referred to jointly as "LC community members").

The science shows that masks are more effective than no masks in preventing transmission. It is undeniable that we need to avoid transmitting COVID to LC community members with elevated risks. As such, it makes no sense to us to lift the mask mandate. This concerning new policy has been raised in classrooms by both students and faculty who are concerned about the risks posed to our vulnerable community members.

We understand that masks can be uncomfortable and annoying.

However, we unequivocally feel that a little discomfort is not worth jeopardizing lives and futures of our community members. 

If the college plans to continue with these plans of lifting the mandate, we implore you to please offer accessible alternative solutions for community members who are not comfortable or safe around unmasked individuals. These individuals need a feasible option to safely complete the semester without penalty.

Some solutions include offering hybrid options or reinstituting the mask mandate in classrooms. We are also open to other alternatives that the executive council may offer.

Thank you for listening.

We hope to hear soon about steps that will be taken to ensure the safety and academic access and success of community members who are not safe in unmasked classrooms.