Illinois professor says going maskless in class a 'manifestation' of racism

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An Illinois professor says that going maskless indoors is a “manifestation of ableism and racism,” and he will kick out any students who don’t comply with the mandate.

Jahred Adelman, a physics professor at Northern Illinois University, outlined the school’s mask policy (which states it is “mask optional”), but argued that that won’t be happening in his classroom, Fox News reported.

“Refusing to mask indoors is a manifestation of ableism and racism, an exercise of individual privilege that tells the most vulnerable that their health and the health of their loved ones does not matter,” read part of his “Why do we wear masks? (The pandemic is not over)” message shared on a projector screen during class.

“Thus, masks are required here. They are NOT optional.”

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The professor’s self-imposed mask mandate was shared by an unnamed student on the Young America’s Foundation (YAF) Campus Bias Tip Line.

YAF also obtained a copy of Adelman’s syllabus, which states that masks must be worn at all times.

“Masks are required AT ALL times in PHYS 253. Here and in your labs,” the syllabus outlines, according to YAF.

“It is not pleasant, but it is for your health and safety, my health and safety, and the health and safety of your friends and colleagues. If you do not follow this requirement, you will be asked to leave.”

The university states that “faculty members can require masks be worn in their teaching spaces.”

In a statement to Fox News, Adelman said he’s working to “keep everyone a little safer while we learn physics.”

He added, “I cannot and would not tell students what to do outside of my class, but if I can do my part to keep everyone a little safer while we learn physics, I will do so.”

Adelman explained: “Of particular concern to me is protecting those students of colour and those with special health demands and needs, whom studies have shown are disproportionately impacted by the virus.”