Philadelphia City Council voted 13-2 to ban ski masks known as “sheistys” from public places such as schools and rec centers. This ban comes after a massive outcry from constituents for better public safety. Young males typically wear these masks and wind up menacing community members in various ways. The bill has overwhelming support in the city and among the city council. However, during public remarks, quite a few people showed up to voice their concerns. The common thread among dissenters was that this rule was racially motivated and subjected more young black males to the criminal justice system. The masks, ironically enough, became popular during the pandemic as an option for often-mandatory face coverings.
SOURCES:
Philadelphia City Council bans wearing ski masks in public | NBC10 Philadelphia – YouTube
Philadelphia city council votes to permanently ban wearing wearing ski masks in public | CNN
Philadelphia votes to ban ski masks to decrease crime. Opponents worry it’ll unfairly target some | AP News
Philadelphia passes ski mask ban over crime concerns: ‘Take them jawns off’ | WBFF
Philadelphia City Council bans ski masks and balaclavas – The Philadelphia Sunday Sun
