SU’s move to the ‘BLUE’ masking level leads to confusing, contradicting policies
Emily Steinberger | Editor-in-Chief
SU needs to either enforce masks everywhere on campus, or lift the mask mandate altogether. The "BLUE" is simply contradictory.
On Feb. 21, Syracuse University moved from the COVID-19 alert level “RED” to “BLUE.” This marked the first time since Aug 28, 2021, that the university has been at a COVID-19 masking level other than “RED.”
This decision was made following a downturn in COVID-19 cases and Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to end the indoor mask mandate. However, the masking regulations associated with the COVID-19 level “BLUE” make little sense for students and staff. SU has four different campus COVID-19 levels: GREEN, YELLOW, BLUE, and RED. Each level indicates a different level of transmission on campus and comes with different masking policies.
The current level of “BLUE” indicates an elevated level of transmission on campus and requires vaccinated students and staff to wear masks during academic instruction as well as during some other events and in some other facilities.
Outside of the classroom, however, masks are only “strongly recommended” for vaccinated people. But there is no guarantee that just because masks are recommended that students will wear them.
These requirements seem contradictory, as it makes little sense for students to continue wearing masks during class, but not where they live, eat or frequent. Additionally, the university recently announced that masks would not be required in the Carrier Dome, where there are routinely large numbers of fans packed together.
The shift from the COVID-19 level “BLUE” to “RED” seems like a way for SU to appease both sides of the mask debate. By not requiring masks in all circumstances, SU can claim that they are loosening requirements to appease those who wish to see mask mandates lifted. Subsequently, by still requiring masks during academic instruction, they can still claim to be proactive about preventing the spread of COVID-19, satisfying the individuals who wish to see mask-wearing policies remain in place.
This tiptoeing by the university has led to a confusing set of masking policies for staff, faculty and students while not protecting anyone. COVID-19 is still an ever-present threat, although new case levels have plummeted. SU needs to stop trying to please both sides and pick one — either require masks or drop them.
Evan Butow is a sophomore magazine, news and digital journalism major. His column appears biweekly. He can be reached at enbutow@syr.edu.
Published on March 7, 2022 at 10:38 pm
