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, associate professor at ���ϲ����� College of Law, is available to speak to the media on issues surrounding laws and the use of face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Professor Dorfman studies the intersections of health laws and social science to understand perceptions around public health. He recently co-authored the article “” for Jama Health Forum.

As the COVID pandemic races through communities, more states are requiring masks to be worn in public spaces. Today, Wal-Mart just announced that all customers in US stores must wear masks, making it the largest retailer to mandate facial coverings. However, disagreements over facial coverings still exist – a federal mandate has yet to be implemented – and confrontations of those not wearing masks have been amplified on social media.

Dorfman said this disagreement over a public health policy during a pandemic is centered on political divides.

“I think the objections for masks and the��politicization of the issue are actually being fueled by partisan interests related to the elections,” said Dorfman. “The infringement on personal liberty is the main claim, but I do believe the conservative side of the political map is trying to find a cause to raise its voice in response to more progressive causes that were raised during the summer, specifically the BLM movement. At least on some level people on the right��are looking for something to mobilize after and the mask issue seems to be a good fit.”

Prof. Dorfman currently teaches health law, disability law and employment discrimination at ���ϲ����� College of Law. Some of his recent interviews can be seen here:

• Dallas Morning News, “”
• CNY Central, “.”
• Washington Post, “.”
• Mississippi Today, “’
• Law 360 (commentary) “.”

Please contact Ellen James Mbuqe, director of media relations at ���ϲ�����, at��ejmbuqe@syr.edu��or 412.496.0551 to request an interview.

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