We are approaching the second anniversary of the classification of novel coronavirus-19 as a pandemic. Since the initial announcement in 2020, over five and a half million people have perished as a result of the disease or associated conditions.
Last week, President Susan Poser sent an email to the Hofstra body, lifting mask mandates for spectators in the Mack Arena, an indoor location. Attendees are still required to show proof of vaccination prior to entry, which is about as effective as putting a tank top on to go outside in the snow. The virus does not care if the student body is vaccinated against the variants, or if you sit six feet away from one another without masks on. Diseases spread with contact and contagion is exacerbated by exposed pathways —specifically, the nose and mouth.The aforementioned email also included discussions that Hofstra would be “reevaluating” its mask policy following the actions of Governor Hochul and discussions with Northwell Health.
If you gave me a dollar for every time I’ve seen a student or teacher wear a mask incorrectly, I could have paid off some of my student loan debt. The lack of attention and care, from those who wear the masks incorrectly to the complicit nature of those who say nothing about it, is extremely concerning and is no doubt contributing to further COVID restrictions.
As a disabled student, I can only attempt to tell you how infuriating it is to hear another person say they can’t live in fear for the rest of their life, as they leave to go to the movies or a football game. Fear and risk are different for those of us with chronic health conditions, and to suggest that they be disregarded is both irresponsible and inconsiderate. For the immunocompromised, everyday is a possible death sentence, even with the vaccine.
Last December, I said with pride that Hofstra had managed to go an entire semester without closing or sending students home. I can no longer say I am proud of this university’s response to such a deadly communicable disease. I look around in the Student Center and see nursing students not wearing masks correctly. How can this university speak of “pride” with life-endangering behavior taking place?
I do not expect people to be perfect. I certainly haven’t—I’ve gone without my mask when eating in open spaces. But there is a difference between trying and messing up and not even trying to comply with restrictions. Uncomplicit behavior only extends this pandemic and increases the chance of death.
I want anyone who is considering the pandemic “under control” to look into the eyes of a housebound person, a disabled student, a full-time nurse, someone who’s lost family to this disease and say they’re fine with reducing safety measures. This disease is not an excuse to revitalize discussions of eugenics, disregard personal responsibility and abandon the right of those around you to protect themselves.
The president’s letter has only validated those on campus who would rather throw caution out the window. It truly enrages me that “reconsideration” is even seen as an appropriate response right now. In no way is it responsible to endanger students under their supervision.
When I chose Hofstra University, I considered many things, one being the price of attending. The price I pay for education should not be my life or the lives of others.
