TPUSA Chapter Leaders and Kansas State University have been relentless in their demands for no forced masks, and this week, their hard work finally paid off.
Ana Rojas and Gabe Whitehair have been working hard to make masks optional at K-State. On February 23, they started a petition to end the mandates, and by February 25, they had garnered over 2,200 signatures. They started an Instagram account, “Mask Choice KSU” and gained over 500 followers in just a few days. Their actions showed that KSU students were sick and tired of wearing masks.
They put pressure on the school administration by arranging a chalking campaign, where they wrote anti-mandate slogans on the ground with chalk. They wrote slogans like, “Follow CDC Guidelines. End Forced Masking,” and “End the Mask Mandate.” People in favor of the mandates defaced their campaign by writing over the slogans and turning them into things like “EXTend the mask mandate” and “DO NOT end forced masking.” Although there was pushback, the community at large appreciated their efforts, and the TPUSA chapter gained lots of publicity.
On Monday, March 1, the university finally lifted the mask mandate. Following this, the K-State TPUSA Instagram page gained over 100 followers within hours of the mandate being lifted.
Kansas State chapter leaders are examples of how hard work and persistence pay off. We are so proud of our TPUSA members like Ana and Gabe for standing up for what is right! To get involved, go to www.tpusa.com/getinvolved.
