Irwin Bernstein, University of Georgia professor, stated that he would not allow exceptions to his policy that all students must wear masks in class. He wrote that no mask is required for any class. The professor resigned after one student refused to properly put on a mask. Bernstein, an elderly man who was returning to teaching after retiring, told students that masks were required in his class due to the fact that he was more at risk of COVID-19 because of his age and other medical conditions. Everyone complied on the first day. A student who had not been to the first class showed up on the second day without a mask.
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A fellow student offered to give her a mask, but she refused to cover her nose. She claimed she couldn't breathe. When Bernstein continued to insist on her putting on the mask correctly, the student ignored him and refused to comply. Bernstein finally gave up on his pleas and declared he was leaving the class.
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Bernstein, the university's newspaper, wrote that I stated that while I had sacrificed my life in the Air Force to protect my country, I wasn't willing to risk my own life teaching a class with unmasked students during the pandemic. Bernstein had been retired in 2011, and I was now teaching part-time. Professor Bernstein stated, "That's it." A student stated that he was now retired and watched him put all his papers in his bag before stepping out of the classroom. Bernstein stated that it was somewhat of a relief for him to resign as he had been becoming more concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic.
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After a dispute over masks, Bernstein isn't the only Georgia professor to resign. Meridith Steyer resigned earlier this month from Georgia College & State University after a dispute with a student about masks. Because she was concerned about a family member who could be affected by COVID-19, she asked rhetoric students to wear masks. One student refused to wear masks and told the dean. Styer explained to the Atlanta Journal Constitution that when it became apparent that the university would seek both sides, instead of supporting me and I, Styer said that I chose to resign. According to the media outlet, it was hearing daily from unhappy faculty about campus lack of masks. Styer stated that despite quitting my job, I'm in a fortunate position to be able pay my bills. Faculty will continue to be affected by the policies of the USG. I am able to do this now, but many others are also looking for the same.
