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Mask Mandate Survey Results

On November 18, flyers were put up in every building on the Plainview campus by the Trailblazer. It had a scannable QR code in it that would redirect the user to a short survey about the mask mandate being lifted at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ. To garner the most responses, an email with the link was sent out as well. Students and faculty were encouraged to take this 3-question survey with an optional 4th open-ended question to add an anonymous comment regarding the mask mandate.

“I think our administration has done a terrific job in leading us through this pandemic,” one responder said.

51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ has taken many cautions throughout the COVID breakout. Doing small groups for chapel, going online, and requiring masks was a small part of their take for the safety of their students. While some comments were uplifting, others were on the opposite side of the spectrum. Dr. Bobby Hall, University President, sent out a statement regarding the situation.

“As we have done regularly throughout the pandemic, members of the President’s Cabinet met yesterday and again reviewed infection rates across our campuses, infection and vaccination rates in the communities we serve, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and other authorities,” Hall said. “The number of identified COVID-19 cases across all 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ campuses continues to be very low and it was determined that it is now appropriate to change 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ’s COVID-19 protocols.”

This survey gave students and professors on the Plainview campus the opportunity to share their opinions about this situation namelessly.

“I don’t feel safe and I fear for my life,” another commented.

Throughout these last two years, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ has battled their own cases as the pandemic rocked the world. Masks were required on campus at all times, even during classes. Students and faculty alike had many opinions about the removal of masks once the mandate updated.

“I’m going to continue to wear a mask indefinitely just because I don’t want to get sick,” one commenter said. “It’s not like COVID is the only thing out there. Flu and all sorts of other respiratory viruses are really prevalent this year.”

All semester, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ had multiple occasions where the COVID-19 vaccination was free at the Laney building for all students and teachers.

“I personally feel as if everyone should do what is best for them. Wear a mask if you are worried about the virus OR don't wear a mask if you're not worried (same with the vaccination),” another commenter said.

With over 90 responses and 40 anonymous comments, a wide spectrum of opinions flooded in from the whole Plainview campus. According to who participated in this survey, 70.65% of the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ campus is vaccinated. However, only around 39% of partakers felt completely safe from the virus on campus.

“I believe we should follow guidelines from the WHO by enforcing masks, keeping doors open, and spacing seats one meter apart regardless of vaccination status,” one response said. Regardless of where each person stands on the issue, this is our new reality on campus. We are all in this together, praying and trusting God to guide us through these trying times.