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MIT policy says students, faculty can’t ‘request’ others wear masks. (Yes, they can.)

In a letter, FIRE requests Massachusetts Institute of Technology re-read its free speech policy, stat.
by
  • Alex Morey
MIT students walking towards the famous dome, Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston

FIRE wrote to MIT about a directive telling students they aren’t allowed to “request” that others wear masks. (Travel Adventure / Shutterstock.com)

At a school with a strong free speech policy like MIT, it should be a no-brainer that students and faculty can ask simple questions.

But this week, after a recent change to a local mask mandate, MIT told students they aren’t allowed to “request” that others wear masks — despite the fact that recipients of such requests are free to accept, deny, or ignore them.

FIRE wrote to MIT today, asking them to rescind this requirement in accordance with their free speech policies.

We’ve asked them to get back to us by tomorrow.

We’ll let you know what we hear.

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