FAQ-Concealment of Identity Policy

These FAQs accompany the Concealment of Identity Policy - Interim. If there is any conflict or discrepancy between the policy and these FAQs, the policy supersedes the FAQ. Please ask VCUPD at 804-828-1196 or the Dean of Student Advocacy at advocacy@vcu.edu for guidance regarding any potential discrepancy.

 

1.  What is the intent of the Concealment of Identity Policy? 

The primary purpose of this policy is to 1) bring VCU policy into alignment with current Virginia law and 2) address situations where individuals are on campus with the intent to conceal their identity from university officials. 

2.  Are individuals who have medical concerns or religious practices able to wear face coverings? 

Yes. Individuals who wear face coverings for any reason other than concealing their identity, such as those who wear face coverings for medical reasons (such as those required by health conditions) or to exercise religious freedoms are permitted to do so. If a university official authorized to request the identity of an individual whose face is covered can identify the individual, then no further action is needed. See the exceptions in FAQ No. 7 below. Otherwise, the individual can identify themselves and continue wearing the face covering. 

3.  Will I ever be asked to present identification if I am wearing a mask or face covering? 

Yes. The policy requires individuals on university property or at university events who are asked to present identification to comply, but only if they are concealing their identity from university officials. Authorized university employees will be the only ones allowed to request identification under this policy, ensuring such requests are made appropriately and sensitively.

4.  Who are authorized university employees?

Authorized university employees are all university police officers and Dean of Student Advocacy office staff.  Authorized university employees also include any other university employees authorized by VCU PD and the Dean of Student Advocacy office to enforce this policy. 

5.  Are there consequences for noncompliance with this policy?  

Yes. Failure to identify oneself upon request as required by the policy may result in the loss of permission to remain on VCU property or at a VCU event. Noncompliance with the policy may also lead to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct or employee conduct policies, as well as being subject to arrest and criminal prosecution for trespass. 

6.  What will I have to do if asked to identify myself?

When asked by an authorized university employee for identification, an individual may elect to:  

  1. Present their identification: VCU ID or government issued ID. 
  2. Otherwise establish their identity to the satisfaction of the authorized university employee; 
  3. Provide a note from a physician requiring/recommending a face covering for health reasons; 
  4. Remove their face covering; or  
  5. Vacate university property

7.  Are there any exceptions?

Yes. Requests for identification will generally not be made to individuals wearing a face covering whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered so as to conceal the identity of the wearer in the following situations: 

  1. Attending an event that: 
    1. Distributes/requires name tags, 
    2. Requires a person to confirm their identity at check-in (e.g., guest list, registration), or 
    3. Is a student or employee organized event closed to members of the public or guests. 
  2. The individual is under 16 years of age. 
  3. University employees engaged in their work as defined by their position description (faculty-student meetings, office meetings, customer service, etc.). 
  4. Attending a scheduled catalog academic course (classroom, laboratory, field instruction) for which the individual is registered. 
  5. The individual is carrying an affidavit from a physician specifying the medical necessity for wearing a face covering. 
  6. Wearing a face covering when a public health emergency is declared that waives law Code of Virginia 18.2-422. 
  7. Wearing a traditional holiday costume in an appropriate context (e.g., Halloween mask during Halloween, party, religious or cultural observances). 
  8. Engaged in work/instruction that requires personal protective equipment (e.g., respiratory protection, food service, welder mask).