Minister rebukes universities for keeping mask rules

UNIVERSITIES should not force students to wear masks as they have “sacrificed enough”, a minister said after 11 Russell Group institutions were found to be keeping rules in place.

Michelle Donelan, the universities minister, joined the student watchdog in rebuking those still imposing curbs despite England’s restrictions being ditched.

Guidance from the Department for Education says that “face coverings are no longer advised in teaching settings or communal areas”. But an analysis has found 11 of the 24 leading Russell Group universities – and a total of 51 universities – are going beyond DfE guidance.

Just 21 of 117 universities surveyed had mask policies in line with the DfE, while the others were unclear or out of date.

The University of Bristol is still telling staff and students they are “required to wear a face covering inside buildings on campus”, including teaching spaces, corridors, libraries, reading rooms and study spaces, though residences are exempt. It describes masks as “a sign of respect, kindness, and sensitivity to each other”. Guidance from the London School of Economics states masks are still mandatory in lifts and for “students in all teaching rooms”. UCL also “expects” masks in teaching areas, as does the University of Leeds when staff ask for them.

Oxford University’s guidance says: “Departments can continue to mandate face coverings. Face coverings are strongly encouraged in libraries and should be worn when moving around university buildings.”

Responding to the findings, Ms Donelan said: “I do not believe universities should be going beyond our guidance. Young people have already sacrificed enough during this pandemic and students should be able to enjoy the full university experience they deserve.”

Lord Wharton, chairman of the Office for Students watchdog, added: “There are no legal restrictions around mask wearing in higher education. It is right that students now expect a much more normal university experience.”

Imperial College London still encourages face coverings in teaching areas. Others including King’s College London and the universities of Exeter, Durham, Manchester and York are urging or strongly urging, but not mandating, masks on parts of campus. Some universities still hold virtual open days. Arabella Skinner, of the parents group Us For Them UK, which conducted the survey, warned of a “Stasi-like environment” where students police their maskless peers. A Bristol University spokesman said “any changes will be made following expert advice from scientists and partners”.

A Russell Group spokesman said: “Universities make decisions at a local level. While face coverings are no longer required in the majority of settings, universities may continue to encourage their use in busy indoor areas.”