Nearly 1,100 people have signed a Change.org petition demanding Penn State rescind its recently announced indoor masking mandate.

The petition’s description is brief and only bluntly claims students shouldn’t need to wear masks on campus this fall. However, some signees offered more specific opinions behind their support for the petition.

“We shut down the country to protect the vulnerable. They can now get vaccinated,” wrote signee Carli Tornetta. “NO REASON for 17-22 yr olds to be forced into wearing masks on campus. ESPECIALLY if they are vaccinated.”

Others suggested indoor mask-wearing should remain a choice for students and employees but not a requirement.

“The world needs to be normal again,” signee Dana Franc wrote. “Students recover fast. People should choose. If you feel you need one, then you wear it.”

Currently, all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask inside public campus buildings.

Penn State said the policy change comes as nearly half of the counties home to Penn State campuses are experiencing “substantial” levels of COVID-19 transmission, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Newly announced Penn State guidelines said indoor mask-wearing orders would return at campuses where transmission was identified as “high” (red) or “substantial” (orange).

Should transmission levels lower across the state, Penn State’s mask-wearing policy could subside.

While mask-wearing is required, all on-campus activities will continue, according to the university. Penn State’s policy change doesn’t impact return-to-work plans for faculty and staff.

For now, indoor mask-wearing is required in environments like classrooms, common areas, and indoor athletic events. Dining halls can continue offering indoor seating, and dorm residents won’t need to mask up inside their rooms.

As COVID-19 transmission increases in Pennsylvania and across the country, it appears unlikely Penn State would drop its mandate entirely anytime soon.

To find the most up-to-date information on Penn State’s COVID-19 policies, visit its dedicated website.

Editor’s note: Onward State does not support or endorse opinions shared within this petition. As always, Onward State seeks to remain objective while generating honest conversation in the hopes of enriching the Penn State community and experience.