Lang
8/18/21
The University of Iowa has changed a policy that bans instructors from discussing masks in class.
New guidance released by school officials allows instructors to foster discussions on mask-wearing “as long as all sides have a voice in the conversation.” However, instructors have been told not to discuss students’ vaccination statuses.
The move comes after UI president Barbara Wilson received a letter of concern from the American Association of University Professors last week. The group requested several changes to school policy, including allowing mask discussions in class. Other suggested policy changes include allowing instructors to require students to wear masks while inside their classrooms as well as allowing faculty to hold on-line classes and office hours.
The revisions published Tuesday include the suggested change to allow online office hours. Other suggestions requested by the Association were rejected.
Instructors are not allowed to give extra credit to students who wear masks. They are also not allowed to seat masked students and unmasked students in separate areas of the classroom.
The only places where mask-wearing is required on the UI campus include some research and health care settings and on CAMBUS.
More information about the school’s COVID-19 policies can be found at coronavirus.uiowa.edu.