Today, the Georgetown University Student Association (GUSA) Senate passed a resolution opposing the mandatory classroom mandate in an 11-2 vote.
In their July 30th legislative session, GUSA considered several resolutions tackling club financing, meal plan affordability, and the recall of the Election Commission. Most notably, the Senate approved legislation opposing the University’s classroom and public transportation mask mandate. Eleven senators voted in support of this resolution, while two voted against and one abstained. Five senators were absent. Voting records can be found here and attendance here.
The resolution was introduced by Senator John DiPierri (SFS ‘25) and Senator Spencer Woodall (MSB ‘24). DiPierri said, “The choice to wear a mask on Georgetown’s campus, especially in classrooms and on public transportation, should be one’s individual choice and not required under threat of academic discipline. I hope that this resolution and its subsequent working group will start a meaningful dialogue with Georgetown’s administration on public health guidance in line with the District of Columbia.”
Debate on the mask bill was swift, as senators detailed Georgetown’s treatment of the coronavirus pandemic over the past six semesters. Several members relayed conversations with concerned students in the Georgetown community displeased with the current mandate. More than forty students outside of GUSA signed on to the legislation as petitioners.
“I am very pleased with the outcome today,” said Senator Woodall. “After months of introducing legislation that would place responsibility on the University to follow the higher public health officials regarding COVID policy, the Senate finally agreed to our proposals. This is not just an important step for COVID policy but public health in general. The university must know that students are not pleased with how it has conducted its public health response, and this opens an important door to create common sense policies that work for students.”
Woodall further stressed that the Georgetown University Law Center does not require students and faculty to wear masks in instructional settings, deeming its continued use on Georgetown’s Main and Medical campuses unfair.
Senator Julian Jimenez (SFS ‘24), one of the cosponsors of the bill, commented that “the resolution makes sense considering that at-risk groups have N95 masks available to them, which are effective in protecting them from COVID even when others around them are not masked.” He also pointed to the 98% vaccination rate and the general booster shot requirement at Georgetown.
Nevertheless, some senators voiced concern with the legislation, noting the need for further protections for immunocompromised students and faculty. Senator Connor Desai (COL ‘23), who voted against the bill said to the Review: “I don’t think that GUSA should be demanding that the University roll back protective policy when some people still benefit from it. I, however, do support the resolution in its requests for ample testing, clear isolation guidance, and available PPE. Georgetown is frustratingly vague in its COVID guidelines so I’m looking forward to the answers and collaboration that will hopefully result from the resolution.” Senator Rogan Zangari (NHS ‘23), who also voted against the resolution, agreed with this statement.
All other resolutions passed without any opposition. The GUSA Senate will reconvene for its final meeting of the Summer Legislative Session on August 14.
