Arizona State University (ASU) President Michael Crow issued a statement by email on Tuesday threatening students with suspension if they host or attend social gatherings if that fail to meet “public health protocols”, even if these events take place off-campus.
“Students engaged – whether hosting or attending – in social gatherings on or off campus that do not adhere to public health protocols will be subject to suspension,” Crow wrote.
The public health protocols were subsequently listed: “wear a mask, practice physical distancing, complete your daily health check, stay home when you are sick, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face”.
Crow claimed this policy was essential as part of his university’s “COVID management strategy”.
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Furthermore, Crow mandated the wearing of face coverings “at all times”, even when outdoors on campus.
“Face coverings have been required in all ASU buildings. They have also been required in outdoor spaces when social distancing hasn’t been possible,” Crow stated.
“Effective immediately, face coverings are required at all times in all ASU outdoor spaces (except when eating).”
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Conservative groups on the ASU campus expressed their disappointment at the severe new policies.
“This is a violation of our civil liberties and we’re hoping someone will challenge this policy,” the Arizona State University College Republicans United wrote in a statement provided to the National File.
“This goes against our Freedom of Assembly; we have a right to peacefully associate with whoever we want. Many of our members do not want to wear the government on our face. We pay a lot of money to attend ASU and they have no right to dictate what we wear off campus.”
In addition, Crow also suggested in the statement that these policies may well be permanent.
“Here is the most important thing to remember: COVID-19 is here and will be here for the foreseeable future so everyone needs to take personal responsibility for their actions and behavior,” Crow added.
ASU did not explain the way in which they would enforce their new rules in their public statement.
