The University of Victoria has rejected a recommendation by its senate to make mask wearing mandatory in indoor spaces again until the end of the semester.
The university rescinded the mask requirement March 11, shortly after provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the removal of the mandate for most indoor public spaces.
The university’s senate, in a rare special meeting last week, passed a motion recommending the university reverse course, at least until April 29.
But on Monday the university’s board of governors voted down the recommendation, although it said that wearing of masks would be encouraged.
Victoria Wyatt, an associate professor and executive committee member of the Faculty Association at the university who brought forward the motion, said she’s disappointed in the decision. “This puts people at risk and disproportionally affects those with underlying health issues and those living in multi-generational homes,” said Wyatt, who couldn’t say what the Faculty Association’s next steps will be.
“The university obviously does not see the timing [of the removal of the mask mandate] as as an important factor in their decision. We’re dealing in a life or death context for some highly vulnerable people.”
Julia Denley, co-chair of the Society for Students with a Disability, said the decision means students who have underlying health conditions will be forced to continue their education in an “unsafe” environment. “They will have to choose what level of risk they are comfortable with.”
Denley said her society will continue to advocate for the university to adopt a hybrid version of education delivery, where students can choose between in-person or online classes.
She said she sympathizes with faculty affected by the decision not to bring back the mask mandate. “While a student can drop out of a class, a professor or teacher has to quit if they don’t want to work in an unsafe environment.”
Meanwhile, B.C.’s Human Rights Commissioner has called on Henry to reconsider lifting of the mask mandate.
In a letter, Kasari Govender says the “hasty” end of the mask mandate has had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable individuals and groups, including the immunocompromised, seniors, people with disabilities and Indigenous people.
She suggests the removal of the mask mandate could push seniors and people with disabilities to once again self-isolate to protect their health.
“The mask mandate is not about eliminating risk,” she wrote. “It is about sharing the burden across society rather than transferring it to a marginalized or medically vulnerable minority. There will be a day where the mask mandate may be lifted, but that day is not yet here.”
parrais@timescolonist.com
