How do you ask someone to wear a mask? With kindness

At the core of The Clark Commitment is the fundamental principle: “I know that my choices affect my well-being and the well-being of others on campus and in the community.”

It also is fundamental to consider how we address individuals whose actions appear to be in contrast with that Commitment as we work to maintain a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment during a pandemic.

While not wearing a mask or social distancing violates the Commitment, those actions are not crimes and, therefore, calling the police is not the appropriate course of action. If you do choose to intervene in this situation, please operate within the following framework.

Engage

When deciding to approach someone who isn’t adhering to The Clark Commitment, center your engagement around the following:

• Assume good intentions. Remember, people make honest mistakes — they may have forgotten their mask or may not have noticed the number of people who have gathered in a particular location.
• Give people the benefit of the doubt. Most individuals are not blatantly trying to violate the Commitment or create an unsafe environment.
• Offer guidance with care, and remember that this is about benefiting our larger community, not shaming individuals or groups. Interactions should be approached with kindness.
• Receive feedback with respect. Just as you may gently remind someone to wear a mask, someone may gently remind you as well. An appropriate response could be, “Thank you for the reminder!”

Support

This step refers to the underlying mindset of the interaction. We need to strive to create a culture of support during this trying time. Actions and responses should be centered around supporting individuals, groups, or the larger Clark community. It is important to keep the points below in mind:

• Remember that some groups of people — particularly around perceived racial identity — are targeted at higher rates. Before addressing someone, pause and think about why you want to respond in the way you do. We must aim for intentional and mindful responses.
• Even when your actions are well-intentioned, the impact may be harmful. When in doubt, consider how the other person may want to be treated in this situation.
• Consider the culture we want to create. Keep in mind that people are more likely to respond positively to an affirmative message than they are to shame or blame.

Refer

An important component to changing behavior is to provide the resources needed to promote the desired behavior, instead of simply pointing out the “wrong” behavior. Refer the individual to supplies, information, and/or further support, such as:

• Where to obtain masks, supplies, etc.
• The Healthy Clark website
• Supportive Clark staff

Even with the above guidelines, no one can account for how an individual will react when approached. If a situation escalates in a manner that is uncomfortable for you, you always have the right to stop engaging and walk away. After going through this process, if you feel the situation requires further attention, you can share your concerns through this confidential form.

Erica Beachy is director of wellness education at Clark. Peyton Wu is associate director of multicultural and first-generation student support.