The Tuesday after President’s Day, Barstow became one of many schools in the Kansas City area to announce a mask-optional policy. The exact announcement reads, “Students, faculty, and staff, and visitors may wear a mask in the building if they choose, but they are not required to do so. The mask requirement will be reinstated if the COVID positivity rate in our building rises above 3%.” As a result, all students and faculty may choose whether or not to wear a mask during school. Schools relieving their mask policies has sparked debates throughout the nation, including at Barstow. Many questions have been raised in regards to whether or not schools should be mask optional and if the policy has come too soon. 

Each school’s policy has the ability to set a precedent for future policies regarding Covid-19. The outcome of a mask-optional policy allows other schools to see if a similar policy would be safe, or if more time is needed before relaxing the mask policy. Regardless of any differing opinions at Barstow, every member of the community has the best interests of those at school at heart. There can never be a sure answer as to what the school’s policy should be, only a thought out plan to determine a solution

Some members of the Barstow community believe that the mask-optional policy came at the proper time. Those who do so often elect to not wear a mask while school is in session. Any person at Barstow who chooses to take advantage of the mask optional policy has their own reason for doing so.

Maya Theobald (‘24), believes, “I think the mask-optional policy is ok. It’s a sign that things are going back to normal, which is good.”

Miles McEachen (‘25) expresses a similar opinion, explaining that, “I think the optional mask policy is an ok idea. I think it would probably be safer if masks were required, but I also think Barstow students are capable of staying safe and socially distanced while having masks off.”

Alternatively, other members of the Barstow community chose to keep wearing masks at school. Once again, those who chose this option all have their own unique reasoning for doing so. 

Dawood Qadeer (‘24) articulated, “I’m not a big fan of the mask optional policy personally; I don’t think it’s the healthiest or safest option. I myself don’t wear my mask all the time, but my opinions remain the same. I believe the policy was much too early; I can’t think of a worse time other than last year. Omicron is booming right now. It’s such a bad idea for it to happen now.”

Jayden Sampat (‘24) believes, “I would definitely feel more comfortable if everyone was wearing a mask, but I understand they cannot enforce that, so I feel comfortable with the fact that the majority of students are still wearing masks.”

Overall, Barstow communities have many differing opinions on the mask optional policy. No one can know for sure whether the new mask optional policy will benefit or harm Barstow in the long run, so everyone must place their trust in the judgment of those in charge. Regardless of whether or not the mask optional policy is the right decision, it gives hope that we will continue progressing towards normalcy.