Clemson University announced an updated mask policy on Oct. 25 due to a low number of positive COVID-19 cases within the student body and faculty. 
The policy states that masks must still be worn in instructional spaces, shared learning areas, university medical facilities, public transportation, shared offices and research spaces, but it allows students and staff the option to remove facial coverings in recreational areas, large atrium buildings and student residence halls. 
The amended policy caused some excitement throughout campus as some feel this is another step towards normalcy, but concerns for residential staff within university residence halls soon came into question. 
Student resident assistants (RA) are not only responsible for ensuring the well-being of the communities in which they work, but they are also required to live there. The ethics of allowing students to live in close proximity without specific COVID-19 safety measures, such as facial coverings, could be seen as a safety risk to RAs and sanitation staff who will have to work within these conditions. 
When asked, RAs said they were hopeful about the updated policy as it may relieve conflict between residents and resident assistants about enforcing facial covering policies. 
“[Not requiring facial coverings] makes it easier because there are less mask incidents and less bad feelings between resident assistants and residents,” said third-year resident assistant and senior plant and environmental sciences major Caroline Dukes. “But with the flu and cold season coming, I’m still wearing mine.” 
Other RAs expressed the same desire to ease resident relations. 
“I understand that masks are an essential part of protecting our community from high COVID rates,” said second-year RA and senior anthropology major Zoie White. “But as an RA, being the ‘mask police’ last year in residence halls was a very draining experience.” 
Resident assistants are not only responsible for enforcing policy, but also documenting all resident violations, which can also be time-consuming, especially on top of a school work load.
White explains the uncomfortable conversations mask requirements cause in residence halls. “Oftentimes, residents would rarely wear their masks and having to keep repeating the same instructions was very tiring,” said White. As an RA, sometimes we would spend very late into the night documenting mask violations, sacrificing our sleep and wellbeing.” 
“Given the extremely low prevalence rate of COVID-19, about 1 in 500 students, University public health strategists are confident testing strategies will continue to keep prevalence low,” said Philip Sikes, Clemson spokesperson.
Clemson University has seen over 2,000 positive COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the Fall 2021 semester, according to the university’s COVID-19 dashboard. It is unclear if there is a difference in campus-wide cases and cases in on-campus residents.