Ohio county apologizes for ‘offensive’ guide urging minorities to avoid ‘gang symbolism’ on masks
Coronavirus update
Anthony Newman, of Columbus, Ohio, pauses while casting a provisional ballot at the Franklin County Board of Elections during the state's primary election last month. (Joshua A. Bickel/Columbus Dispatch/AP)
By Meagan Flynn May 22, 2020 at 8:39 p.m. GMT+10
Health authorities in Ohio’s largest county are apologizing this week after issuing “offensive” face-mask guidance for African Americans and people of color, urging them to steer clear of masks that could be associated with “gang symbolism” or “elicit deeply held stereotypes.”
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To critics, it sounded more like guidance on how to avoid being attacked or stigmatized because of their skin color.
“This racist ‘guidance’ from @FC_PublicHealth is unacceptable,” one critic who distributed the guidelines wrote on Twitter. “They’re really suggesting that [people of color] take responsibility and make careful mask choices during a GLOBAL PANDEMIC to avoid being lynched.”
As the criticism mounted, county health authorities walked back the document on Wednesday afternoon, saying they realized “some of the language used came across as offensive and blaming the victims.”
“We have listened to the opinions and are using the voice of the public to inform any new guidance we put out,” the health department wrote “Everyone deserves to feel safe while wearing a face covering and not be subjected to stigma, bias or discrimination. We apologize and will continue to stay engaged in tough conversations to be better for the communities we serve.”
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