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So: I want to raise a narrow, but I think neglected question surrounding COVID, masks, and colleges. How will universities and colleges expect faculty to police masks? Let me explain. As of now, there are *some* colleges planning on having in person classes. 1/
Colleges are issuing familiar public health guidelines: masks, distancing, temp checks. Some colleges have said up front: you must sign a compact of compliance to attend, or remember you have to follow the local public health orders or else. So far so good. 2/
But what happens in a real classroom situation? Here, I'll assume that the vast majority of students care about themselves and the community to comply. But--for the sake of argument, consider one student who comes to class and refuses to wear a mask. 3/
What does the professor/lecturer/grad student at the podium do? This isn't a "let's talk after class moment." It's not a "should consult the Dean later" moment. It's a "do I/should I/how do I police this moment." And I'm not sure that teachers will feel comfortable abt it. 4/
This gets into some complicated (but certainly research based) issues around faculty demographics and the student/teacher relationship. But it's a completely anticipated scenario. We ask students to question, to (politely) argue, to debate. 5/
*I* don't think masks are debatable, but it has become politicized. And thus becomes a potential classroom flashpoint. I have no idea what the solution is here. But I think colleges need to think about this problem and give guidance to the community. 6/
(Again: the VAST MAJORITY of students are fine. They're awesome! We want them to be safe, and they do, too!) But let's not pretend this won't happen. And frame it right: it's a POLICING question for people who aren't the police. X/
