SEC-008: Concealment of Identity
Academic Division.
The University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, patients, contractors, and visitors by requiring certain individuals to disclose their identity under specific circumstances.
Va. Code § 18.2-422 deems it unlawful for any person over 16 years of age to, with the intent to conceal his identity, wear any mask or other device whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered so as to conceal the identity of the wearer, to be or appear in any public place, or upon any private property in this Commonwealth without first having obtained from the owner or tenant thereof consent to do so in writing.
- Identification Document:A University- or government-issued document stating the individual’s name and containing their photograph.
- University Facility:Any defined space of the University, including but not limited to a room, lab, series of labs, building, or controlled outdoor area (which includes the Academical Village).
- University Function:Any activity that is conducted or sponsored by a University office, department, or by University personnel, and is done on behalf of the University, whether the activity is conducted on or off Grounds.
- University Property:Land or buildings that the University owns or leases and that is under the control of the Board of Visitors. University property also includes premises the University uses for activities of its offices, departments, personnel, or students.
Any individual who is present on University property, in a University facility, or attending a University function who is wearing a mask or other device whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered so as to conceal the identity of the wearer, must present an identification document when requested by an authorized University official or otherwise establish their identity to the satisfaction of the authorized University official.
Only an authorized University official may request identification pursuant to this policy. For this policy, an authorized University official includes all University police and security officers, Division of Student Affairs officials, Provost’s Office officials, and any other University official authorized by the Associate Vice President for Safety & Security to enforce this policy.
This policy applies to the Academic Division, with the exception of its medical clinics (e.g., in the School of Medicine or Student Health and Wellness).
Ordinarily, identification will not be requested from individuals who are:
- Wearing costumes on holidays.
- Engaging in professions, trades, employment or other activities and wearing protective masks which are deemed necessary for the physical safety of the wearer or other persons.
- Engaging in any theatrical production.
- Wearing a face covering as part of a religious or cultural observance or tradition.
Nevertheless, requests for identification may be made by an authorized University official in the above situations if doing so is necessary to determine compliance with Va. Code §18.2-422.
Compliance with Policy:
Failure to comply with the requirements of this policy may result in the authorized University official referring the individual for disciplinary action; escalating the matter to University Police for further action; or taking other appropriate actions.
Additionally, faculty, staff, students, contractors, and visitors failing to comply with this policy and/or Commonwealth of Virginia laws may be detained or arrested by law enforcement and or trespassed from University property.
Questions about this policy should be directed to the Office of the Associate Vice President for Safety and Security.
When asked by an authorized University official for identification, an individual may:
- Present their identification: University of Virginia-issued ID or government-issued ID.
- Otherwise establish their identity to the satisfaction of the authorized University official.
- Provide a note from a physician requiring/recommending a face covering for health reasons.
- Remove their face covering.
- Leave the University property, facility, or function.