Some Clemson Professors Planning Walk Out Wednesday Due to No Mask Mandate

Some Clemson University professors are planning to walk out of their classrooms Wednesday to protest the school administration’s decision to not require masks in classrooms.

Kimberly Paul, an associate professor at Clemson, created an event on Facebook called “Walkout Wednesday for Mask Mandate” in which she wrote: “The lack of a mask mandate is endangering the health and lives of all of us…It’s time to take action.”

Joe Galbraith, Clemson’s associate vice president, said in a statement the university is aware of the concerns from faculty members. Gailbraith said, “In past few weeks, the Delta variant has revived the need for Clemson to take proactive measures to protect our students, faculty, and staff.” He described a “robust testing strategy — both pre-arrival and ongoing — to provide as safe an environment as possible.”

In addition, the university is hosting a vaccine clinic next to the testing location. Wednesday is the first day of classes. The protest is scheduled to last for eight hours on Bowman Field. The organizers of the walkout noted Pickens County School District’s decision to go to virtual learning due to a high number of positive tests among students and staff.