State mask mandates to address COVID-19 have been complicated by anti-mask measures often dating back to the 19th century.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, governors, attorneys general, and public health officials have scrambled to enforce social-distancing guidelines and mask wearing. Their efforts were opposed in several states by those who argue that mandatory face-coverings are unconstitutional. Efforts to enforce mask wearing have been complicated by legacy anti-mask legislation in almost 40 percent of states (and the District of Columbia), which was passed in the 19th– and 20th-centuries in response to organizations like the KKK. Shyam K. Sriram, Will Gigerich, Meet Patel and Kayla Miller discuss the origins, evolution and current impact of anti-mask legislation in the United States

Backlash Against Mosque and Community Centers

This project explores the religious backlash to Mosques and Muslim community centers. The project focuses on Murfreesboro, TN, New York City, NY, Houston, TX, and Carmel, IN