Syracuse Sun

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced she was considering banning face masks in the New York subways, citing concerns about individuals hiding their faces while committing antisemitic crimes. Additionally, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass mentioned she was contemplating similar bans following altercations in front of a synagogue on Sunday.

Reporters seeking to discuss the implications of such limitations on face masks are encouraged to contact Associate Professor of Law Katherine Macfarlane, who is also the director of the disability law and policy program at Syracuse University College of Law.

Professor Macfarlane provided her perspective on the matter: “The bans would pose an immediate risk to people with disabilities who need to wear masks to protect themselves—from airborne illnesses like COVID-19, for example. It is difficult to imagine how a disabled person would be able to convincingly defend their mask-wearing to a police officer,” said Macfarlane. “Even if an exception to the bans were created for people with disabilities, the bans would still force people to disclose a disability they would rather keep confidential. And if an officer doesn’t believe them (as so often happens to people with invisible disabilities), what happens—they’re arrested?”

To arrange an interview, please contact Ellen James Mbuqe, executive director of media relations, at ejmbuqe@syr.edu.