Fourth-year Wilfrid Laurier University philosophy student Kamil Bachouchi wore a leaf of lettuce to cover his face to mock the school’s mask mandate. .“We have the right to make our own choices,” said Bachouchi in a Monday tweet. .“We demand that all Universities drop any mandate that disregards students’ personal autonomy.”.Bachouchi began defying his school’s mask policy by wearing unconventional objects over his face in November. .READ MORE: Ontario university student mocks mask mandates by covering face with random items.“They claim it’s because it makes the student body healthier and prevent outbreaks on campus, but as far as I’m concerned, I don’t think blue cloth masks can do such a thing,” he said. .He said he was shocked when Laurier reinstated its mask mandate. Laurier brought back its mask policy in September. .Bachouchi said a fellow student and him will be holding a protest at Waterloo Town Square against the mask mandate on January 28. He encouraged all Laurier, University of Waterloo, and Conestoga College students and staff and community members to attend. .The student went on to say the protest will “show the schools that we have a voice and that we are not alone.” He added mass non-compliance is the one way COVID-19 restrictions will end. .An institution is at the forefront of pushing the idea people obey without questioning, which he called “appalling.”.Laurier is telling people to wear a mask or face being kicked out of school. .Bachouchi shared an email from Laurier to staff about the mask mandate remaining in effect to limit the spread of viruses in the community. .“Students should arrive to class prepared with a medical mask or multi-layered non-medical mask,” said Laurier. .“Free medical masks continue to be available at the Dean of Students on both the Brantford and Waterloo campuses.” .The university said face shields and partial plastic face coverings are unacceptable. It can remove or enhance mask requirements as needed to respond to changing conditions. .Even when faculty wants to respect personal autonomy of their students, Bachouchi said Laurier wants to intimidate them. .“We need to stand up!” he said.
