Editorial: Wear masks properly

MASK UP OR STAND DOWN

Improper mask-wearing has become all too common at McLean

The staff editorial represents the opinion of the majority of The Highlander’s editorial board

In the midst of a pandemic, certain precautionary practices have become commonplace—a natural part of our daily routine. By this point, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that face coverings must be worn over the nose and mouth to be effective. In fact, proper mask-wearing should now be second nature.

A year and a half into the pandemic, however, certain students are still struggling with this basic fact. Their actions are not only disrespectful, but incredibly selfish, and these students must be held responsible for their failure to consider the health and wellbeing of others.

“I feel uncomfortable [when people wear their masks incorrectly],” senior Avery Barnett said. “It makes me feel like the school is a less safe environment.”

The fact that students feel unsafe in their own school is highly concerning, and actions should be taken to address this threat to their welfare. Students who regularly abide by the rules feel neglected and frustrated, even with a strict mask policy in place.

Most Highlanders agree that the current mask policy is more than appropriate. The CDC has long maintained that masks are the best way to mitigate the spread of COVID, and while they may not be the most comfortable, they are a necessary and useful tool in the pandemic era. Ultimately, safety should take precedence over comfort.

But after months of donning these face coverings, we should be used to them; maskwearing should no longer be a burden.

“It just feels like you’re wearing clothes,” senior Mehr Kumar said. “If you wear the right mask and pick [ones] that feel more comfortable, [you can’t] feel them.”

It seems so straightforward and easy to understand, yet so many students remain unwilling to wear these simple pieces of fabric correctly.

“A lot of people wear [their masks] underneath their nose, which defeats the whole purpose of it,” Kumar said. “And I always see people take it off while walking in the hallways and talking to friends.”

It is no secret that the hallways of McLean High School are a dangerous place right now. With students practically breathing down each other’s necks, proper mask-wearing is essential. Even in the classroom, where up to 30 students are in close proximity for hours at a time, those who wear their masks incorrectly pose a serious safety threat.

“So far, [we have] not had [many] cases here at McLean. But that uncertainty is [still] disconcerting,” social studies teacher Karen McNamara said. “It’d be a little more reassuring if everybody was wearing their masks all the time.”

The issue extends past the McLean community. Countless students and teachers have concerns for their families and friends. The science is there—improper maskwearing leads to higher rates of COVID transmission and, ultimately, more deaths.

“My fiance’s grandmother is 103, so if I get sick and give it to her, that would just be the worst thing I could possibly do,” McNamara said.

Even though she has shared this with all of her classes, McNamara still finds herself having to constantly remind certain students to wear their masks correctly.

“I don’t think they realize that this could actually cause harm to somebody,” McNamara said. “I’m choosing to believe that it’s not my students disrespecting me. It’s just that they don’t like the policy.”

But endangering those around you by consistently ignoring your teacher’s requests is, objectively, inconsiderate. It isn’t difficult to pull a mask over your nose and mouth while at school, especially when people are making an effort to remind you.

“It’s just like any other rule in the school that you follow,” Kumar said. “It’s decorum at this point to wear your mask properly. It’s just expected in high school.”

Currently, there are some measures in place to help address the mask issue, especially for those students who consistently refuse to wear it properly.

“Teachers can [submit] a referral, and then administrators will talk to the students and encourage them to wear their masks,” McNamara said.

While this approach is better than nothing, it isn’t nearly as effective as it should be. Hundreds of students still walk around with chin straps for masks every day.

Given the circumstances, teachers and administrators should rule with an iron fist. The health and safety of students and their families should not be taken lightly, and the school owes it to those students who have consistently taken the necessary precautions to enforce proper mask-wearing.

“By not wearing your mask, you’re not only negatively affecting yourself, but also the people around you,” Kumar said. “You have to think about others—not just yourself.”

IT’S DECORUM AT THIS POINT TO WEAR YOUR MASK PROPERLY. IT’S JUST EXPECTED IN HIGH SCHOOL.”

- MEHR KUMAR SENIOR