NYC Mayor Eric Adams isn't gagging speech – his mask ban protects New Yorkers

Mayor Adams' mask ban policy addresses rising masked violence and antisemitic threats while remaining constitutionally sound, balancing safety with civil liberties.

Dr. Mark Goldfeder is a law professor and CEO of the National Jewish Advocacy Center. Follow him on X @markgoldfeder

That case involved the KKK—an organization notorious for exploiting anonymity to intimidate and terrorize. And yet the principle applies universally: in a civil society, especially one dealing with rising crime, antisemitic threats, and politically charged tensions spilling into our streets, the state has a compelling interest in being able to identify individuals in public spaces.