Bradley's COVID mask policy received mixed student reaction

by Eric Sese, Staff Writer

The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.

Children mask up in this graphic encouraging masks. (Photo from Hilliard City Schools).

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Ohio and in response, Hilliard City Schools imposed a mask mandate for grades 7-12. With the COVID-19 vaccine available for ages 12 and above in Ohio, the district started off the school year with a “mask friendly” environment for middle schoolers and high schoolers. This all changed on September 7, when a mask became a requirement for the time being. In a school chock full of opinionated young individuals, The Jaguar Times asked students, “What do you think about the new mask mandate in school?”

Bryan Nashalsky (9) said, “I think it’ll keep school safe, and then hopefully when it’s over, we don’t have to deal with COVID anymore at school.” Although COVID policies have been more restrictive in the past, they have been implemented to better fit present circumstances. On the topic of school events, Preston Wolfe (10 said, “I honestly think the new mask policy is a good thing” … “we can have more football games and have more abilities to do what we like to do.”

While some responses were more optimistic towards masks, Cole Walburn (10) had a more neutral view on masking, responding, “I don’t personally like having to wear the mask, but I think that it is important for all of us to wear the mask just to keep everyone else safe so we don’t get sick.” Rylee Binns (9) said, “My opinion on the mask policy is that it should be taken away because the back of the mask hurts our ears and we literally cannot breathe in these things.”

Every county in Ohio is red indicating high community transmission as of September 12, 2021. (Photo from CDC COVID Data Tracker).

Regarding the question, Roslyn O’Toole (12) said, “I think it’s good that they made them mandatory again, and I don’t think it’s unreasonable at all”… “ I do think it’s kind of weird that as of a couple days ago a lot of the staff here weren’t wearing them at all, and now they’re acting like if we come within a foot of each other, we’re just going to die. I think it’s a little hypocritical, but I’m glad that they’re mandated now.” Since the quick and safe development of the COVID vaccine, the fatality rate amongst various demographics have dropped substantially. Jasmine Ransom (12) agreed with Roslyn, adding that “I do think it’s good that they mandated them again, because even if you do have your vaccine, your not immune, you can still be a carrier, and you can still pass it on to other people especially people who are immunocompromised.”

COVID-19 cases are on the rise, and the decision by the district is made with good intentions. The new mask mandate may receive mixed messages from the student body, but it is always important to value community. With Columbus’s new mask mandate taking effect on September 10, the outlook for school masking is indefinite. No matter your position on masks, doing your part and doing what’s needed can lead to a safer and brighter environment for everyone.