At the end of January, Hampton City Schools announced its intention to sue Governor Glenn Youngkin for making masks optional in schools, but less than a month later, the district reversed its position, announcing, “students will have the option to wear or not wear a mask in all Hampton City schools.” As a result, many Bethel students are now faced with a difficult choice: drop the mask or mask up.

When asked how they felt about this sudden policy shift, some students seemed ambivalent. “I wouldn’t say this is totally bad,”  Jassiah, a Bethel student, remarked. She added though, “But this can raise [COVID] cases.”

In contrast, many others still feel strongly that students should keep wearing masks in school. They claim the masks make them feel more comfortable and protected.  One student commented, “Even if I did not have to wear a mask, I would still choose to wear it.”