ETSU officials say mask mandate will stay in place; provides update on effects of new state legislation

East Tennessee State University’s Office of the President released an update to faculty and staff on how the new state legislation, signed by Tennessee Governor Lee, affects the institution. The update reiterates that ETSU is considered a federal contractor, and therefore must comply with masking and vaccination requirements outlined in the COVID-19 Executive Order. The school goes on to say they obtained a waiver from the State Comptroller, that allows the university to be exempt from aspects of the new state law, which directly conflicts with the Executive Order.

This is in order to protect federal funding, which would be jeopardized in the case the institution did not comply with the Executive Order. The school states that ETSU will continue to comply with the Executive Order requirements, which includes sustained mask mandates on campus and required vaccinations for certain employees.

(Image: ETSU)