University of Arkansas drops mask requirement

Fayetteville, Arkansas – According to Interim Chancellor Charles Robinson, The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville has dropped its classroom masking requirement effective immediately.

The state’s largest university now recommends face coverings “in all campus areas,” Robinson said.

Through the beginning of the current academic year, UA had required face coverings on campus as a way to try to reduce the spread of covid-19 throughout the 2020-21 academic year and, at least in classrooms.

“The rationale for this change includes several factors: the declining COVID-19 transmission rate in our community, the climbing vaccination rates among faculty, staff and students, the shift in CDC guidance, and the fact that many campuses in Arkansas (and in the U of A System) have already gone to similar policies, along with recent guidance from the U of A System president,” Robinson said in his message.

On Feb. 17 announcing that masks would no longer be required in dining areas, “active” exercise areas, and at sporting events, The state’s largest university had previously eased requirements.

Other large public colleges in Arkansas, have also made masking optional.