We are in the midst of a global pandemic. We risk our lives by attending classes in person, working our jobs, serving our community, and caring for our friends and families. By disregarding the health and safety of those around you because you want to attend parties, you are participating in an act of violence. You are furthering the risks of everyone you interact with and everyone they interact with and so on and so on. Remember that every choice you make right now can be the difference between whether someone lives or dies. Our Sewanee Public Health Department works to protect us all. They are not squashing your rights by protecting people. They are not squashing your rights by putting restrictions on parties during a pandemic. These times are hard for everyone. Mental health around the globe is suffering, but we must find ways to help our minds besides partying with multitudes of people. Instead of these choices to "help" one's mental health through excessive partying, drinking, and drug use, try getting together with under 10 friends (really not a small number) and talking about how you're feeling. Deeper communications with one's friends can prove far more helpful to mental health than mass parties.