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NDSU requiring masks in the classroom; UND will allow faculty members the choice

KFGO Radio

NDSU President Dean Bresciani is requiring masks to be worn in all classroom settings, when classes resume next Monday.

In a campus e-mail, Bresciani said this comes because Cass County has received a “high transmission” designation for the spread of COVID-19.

The e-mail says faculty members who are able to maintain proper social distancing may remove their masks, so they can be heard by the students in their classrooms.

NDSU will also offer nine vaccination clinics, where the COVID vaccine will be offered free of charge.

A Change.org petition titled “Make Masks a Personal Choice at NDSU” has already been started in response.

Meanwhile, as students prepare to return to the University of North Dakota next week, UND President Andrew Armacost – in a message to the campus community – said getting vaccinated is the best defense against COVID-19.

"To those who are on the fence, please pay close attention to the data, and also to the aggressive spread we're seeing of the Delta variant throughout the nation," Armacost said. "And then there are those who will choose to remain unvaccinated. Let me just remind you — you are a valued part of our community, but I do ask you to reconsider that position."

According to the UND website, anyone wishing to wear a mask is encouraged to do so.

The university is granting faculty members the authority to require masks in their classrooms. Staff members and supervisors have similar flexibility to ensure the safety in their work spaces.

Armacost said as the Delta variant spreads, UND will be prepared to respond.

Fall classes begin on Monday.

(KFGO and KNOX contributed to this story.)

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