Opinion: Arizona State University has figured out that it can require masks on campus, thanks to poorly written executive order and a poorly written state law. Smart people over there in Tempe.
By Laurie Roberts |Arizona Republic
Arizona State University has found a way around the state’s ridiculous ban on mask mandates on college campuses.
Turns out there isn’t one. A ban, that is.
The state’s attempted prohibition on mask mandates is so poorly worded that on Wednesday ASU announced that masks will be required inside classrooms, labs and other indoor and outdoor settings where people cannot socially distance.
“It’s been our understanding that the governor’s order prohibits us from denying unvaccinated students the ability to participate in activities on the basis of vaccination status,” ASU Provost Nancy Gonzales told me on Wednesday. “We did not see that there was a masking prohibition broadly for colleges and universities.”
Before the day was over, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University issued their own mask mandates.
I’m picturing Republican heads popping off all over the state Capitol and there they go, bouncing down Jefferson Avenue.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake even urged students to violate the new policy.
“Hey @ASU students. Don’t comply with your University’s Mask Mandates,” she tweeted. “Just don’t do it. What are they going to do? Expel all of you..? I’ve got your back. As soon as I’m your Governor, this BS ends!!”
The university found a loophole in poor wording
