Northern Illinois University professor demands that students mask in his class, indicates that failure to mask while indoors reflects racism and ableism

Jahred Adelman, associate professor and director of graduate studies at Northern Illinois University's Department of Physics, has demanded that students wear a mask in his class, warned that anyone who fails to comply will be asked to depart, and indicated that refusal to don a mask while indoors reflects both racism and ableism.

"Masks are required AT ALL times in PHYS 253. Here and in your labs," Adelman's course syllabus states, according to Young America's Foundation. "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."

Northern Illinois University allows teachers to decide for themselves whether they want to mandate masking in their classes.