By Joseph D’Andrea
The Mask Transparency Act, which prohibits the use of masks and facial coverings in public places, with certain exceptions, was signed into law on Aug. 14 by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. The county legislature passed this act with the primary goal of addressing street crime, stating that masks and other facial coverings “are often used as a predicate to harassing, menacing or criminal behavior.”
“[T]he primary purpose of this law is to prohibit the wearing of masks or other facial covering in public unless such mask is worn for the purposes of protecting the wearer’s health or safety or for religious or celebratory purposes,” the law reads.
Blakeman’s office said the law addresses increased crimes committed by people using facial coverings to conceal their identities since the normalization of mask wearing during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since the university is located within Nassau, students are impacted. Sentwali Bakari, vice president for Student Affairs and Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging, said: “Adelphi University must follow Nassau County’s new law, which allows for medical and religious accommodations and we expect our students to comply. This is a crucial part of our community's responsibility. I understand that some politicians are challenging this law. However, until a change occurs, our campus community is expected to comply. We will continue to educate members of our community about this law and make sure they understand their rights.”
James Francis, executive director of Public Safety and Transportation, agreed, adding, “If a situation arises, Student Life and Public Safety will work together to ensure that any student who may potentially be in violation is aware of this law and any other applicable laws that affect their demonstrations. Our goal is to keep all of our students safe.”
The law clarifies that it is meant to target those who are masked in which their “face or voice is disguised with the intent to conceal the identity of the wearer.” Violators of the law will be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $1,000 or a year in prison or both.
Understandably, some students are confused by the implications of this law on the Garden City campus, particularly those who want to peacefully protest a political or other cause.
“It’s tricky because I do understand why the government would want to do that,” said first-year nursing student Jaspreet Kaur. She said she’d be against the policy “if it’s used to harm civilians by not allowing them to wear it in public spaces. If it’s for a rally or a protest and they’re wearing masks to prevent themselves from being caught from whatever they’re doing, I agree with the government on that side. But if it’s just in the regular public, I don't agree with the government and what they're doing with that bill that was passed.”
Junior psychology major Ilan Greenblatt said, “I think that if you’re protesting, the goal is to be seen. What’s the point of being a nameless, faceless protester? Protesting is about advocating. It's about putting yourself out there. And I feel like covering your face kind of defeats the purpose a little bit.”
As far as enforcement, the task may seem difficult without overstepping boundaries. Despite the law’s positive intentions, its permittance of law enforcement officers to “require a person or persons to remove the mask during traffic stops or when the officer has reasonable suspicion of criminal activity and/or intention to partake in criminal activity” runs the possibility of generating more controversy surrounding the police, even if they’re simply abiding by protocol.
The provisions continue, declaring that an individual wearing a face covering can be considered an offender if they “[remain or congregate] in a public place with other persons so masked or disguised, or knowingly permits or aids persons so masked or disguised to congregate in a public place;” acts with the intent to intimidate, harass or harm others; or “is engaged in conduct that could reasonably lead to the institution of a civil or criminal proceeding against her or him, with the intent of avoiding identification in such a proceeding.”
Bakari said that Student Life and Public Safety will meet with any group filing a demonstration request to ensure their demonstrators understand and comply with the mask ban and university policies.
A month after the act was signed into law, Adelphi’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) held a divestment protest in front of the University Center. They delayed their protest by a week in part so they could understand if they'd be impacted by the ban.
SJP president, sophomore Hayaa Beig, dismissed the county’s ban as an attack on constitutional rights. “Our day of action demonstration was held solely in solidarity with the people of occupied Palestine. However, we are not afraid of standing against the fascist, racist and wholly unconstitutional mask ban.”
Additional reporting by Hussein Ali Rifath