Many school districts across the nation aren’t following CDC guidelines by not making masks mandatory in school.
Many believe that masks restrict their rights and claim that they aren’t useful. On the other hand, a large majority believe that masks should be worn in public at all times.

Many schools that have reopened amidst the pandemic have tightened up their rules.

Aside from social distancing, no group work, and no sharing, some schools require that masks be worn all day. Other schools have made wearing masks optional.

Wearing masks plays a huge role in stopping the contraction of COVID-19. Not making them mandatory is a huge mistake.

It’s ironic because dress codes have been in place for years. Forcing students to dress in a way that’s deemed “school appropriate.”

Why is that we’re forced to dress a certain way, but schools won’t force people to wear masks? The biggest difference is that masks are helping stop the spread of COVID-19, and dress codes are just another way of forcing students to follow unnecessary guidelines set by schools.

According to the Mayo Clinic, masks can help slow the spread of COVID-19, combined with actively washing your hands, and social distancing.

This proves that the argument of masks being ineffective is completely invalid. Dress code policies need to be changed as well as a rule for making masks mandatory.

“Masks are worn to not only protect ourselves but others too,” sophomore Rahiel Berhe said. “If school were to re-open, we need to wear our masks to ensure that we’re keeping the staff and students safe.”

We have to look at the bigger picture here. What’s more important? The lives of students and staff or protecting people’s so called freedom.

Most of the schools that aren’t following the CDC guidelines are schools in the Midwest and South.
In August, a school in Georgia caught the attention of the media after a student snapped a photo of a crowded hallway of students with no masks on.

Staff members of schools have been told to resign if they have COVID-19 concerns. This is an example of how schools have been concerned about the wrong things.

Schools should start worrying less about what’s written on my t-shirt, and more about protecting students and staff.