Face masks and oppression.

This isn't what you think and I want to be very careful how I ask this question because it has to do with race. I was apprised of a situation yesterday that doesn't sit right with me and I don't know if I'm misunderstanding or if my discomfort is rational and justified.

My husband and I have a friend who has an adopted son. She is white and her son is black. He has faced racism at school from both peers and teachers. Yesterday, his school district announced that it will be reopening schools in the fall and that all students and teachers must wear masks. Our friend sent an email to the principal of his school saying that her son would not be wearing a mask because it is an act of subjugation by his white oppressors and that neither his voice nor his face will be hidden or suppressed at school.

This doesn't seem like the proper situation for a discussion of subjugation and oppression by white people as her son is not being singled out and made to wear a mask when no one else has to. Everyone will have to wear one. What do you think about this? If I am missing the point, I am honestly asking you to educate me. Is this oppression of a black student by white teachers or is it an even-handed policy aimed at protecting the health of students and faculty alike?