Masks on Campus

Louisiana Tech President Les Guice announced Saturday the university is now encouraging — not mandating — both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to wear masks indoors while on campus, citing Gov. John Bel Edwards’ Friday press conference that recommended much the same thing for residents across the state.

“The situation here in our state and region is now urgent,” Guice said in an update on the university’s COVID-19 response webpage. “There has been a spike in new cases and hospitalizations — many in populations that were previously not suffering greatly from the virus.

“The time is now to act so that we can continue preparations for a more normal fall quarter.”

University Communications Executive Director Tonya Oaks Smith said administration cannot speculate on what the fall quarter will ultimately look like.

“Our focus is on encouraging as many individuals as possible to receive the vaccine in preparation for the new academic year,” she said.

Guice advocated for the vaccine in the Saturday update and noted that even though he has received it, he will be wearing a mask on campus.

Meanwhile, Grambling State University has maintained its ongoing requirement for mask-wearing in all buildings on campus, and Communications Director Tisha Arnold said that will remain in place through the fall semester.