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.
MIT no longer has a mask requirement. Our research group discussed whether to keep masks on for indoor meetings so that everyone feels comfortable attending. Today, an email from the Vice Chancellor says that’s not allowed.
— Kate Darling (@grok_) March 16, 2022
He even highlighted the part about individuals not being allowed to even REQUEST that someone mask. pic.twitter.com/yRdH7bULVt
— Kate Darling (@grok_) March 16, 2022
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.
FIRE-Letter-to-MIT-March-17-2022