Campbell comments on contentious mask debate in West Lafayette as mayor faces lawsuit over mandate

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, State Representative Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) issued the following comments as the mask debate grows increasingly contentious in her district. On July 13, West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis issued an executive order requiring face coverings to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Last week, a West Lafayette citizen filed a lawsuit against Mayor Dennis and the City of West Lafayette arguing the city mask mandate is unconstitutional. Court records indicate the lawsuit was filed just hours before Governor Eric Holcomb announced his statewide mask mandate that began on July 27.

“As the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reminds us, we are not defenseless against this virus,” Campbell said.

“When worn both correctly and universally throughout a community, face coverings give us a fighting chance to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19. City leadership and my West Lafayette neighbors are responsible for protecting themselves, their families, and the community they love. I fully support Mayor John Dennis and his decision to require masks and reject the idea that doing such is an infringement upon individuals' rights.”

During her spare time, Campbell has been sewing cloth face masks for members of her community.