Fourth-year Wilfrid Laurier University philosophy student Kamil Bachouchi has been defying his school’s mask policy by wearing unconventional objects over his face. .“It was an unnecessary route to go in,” said Bachouchi in an interview. .“They claim that 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.” .Bachouchi said he was shocked when Laurier reinstated its mask mandate. Laurier brought back its mask policy in September. .He started to defy the mask mandate on Nov. 3 by wearing a Ziploc bag over his face to a class. His professor told him to leave and wear a real mask. .He responded by saying no, as his Ziploc bag followed all of the guidelines Laurier set out. The two had a debate until the professor allowed Bachouchi to wear the Ziploc bag..Bachouchi said he is mocking masks because he “does not see the necessity for them.” He added he does not understand why people have to wear masks in classrooms and the library, but do not have to on other parts of the campus. .He has worn a hollowed-out grapefruit, a scuba diving mask, and a bucket on his head so far. While the semester is almost over, Bachouchi said he will be wearing a hazmat suit and Halloween masks to future classes. .Bachouchi claimed the response to his masks has been positive. Although he suspects there are students who dislike it, they have not confronted him..The student went on to say he is happy to engage in public discourse with anyone about not wearing a mask. Laurier has threatened him with physical removal from class and de-enrollment for not complying. .Bachouchi said people should be free to decide whether or not they wear masks because “it’s a fundamental right to medical choice.” .“This isn’t a communist country,” he said. .These stunts come after the University of Waterloo brought back its mask mandate for any indoor activities part of academic instruction on November 8. .READ MORE: Ontario university reimposes mask mandate for indoor amenities.Waterloo students and staff will be required to wear masks during lectures, seminars, labs, tests, exams, and other forms of academic instruction.
