Rutgers University officials are reversing course when it comes to lifting its mask mandate. 

Faculty unions at the university were not happy with last week’s decision to, in most situations, lift the mandate on campus. So, after appealing, the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission has temporarily reinstated part of the mask mandate that requires wearing face coverings in university libraries. 

Individual faculty members may also require face coverings be worn in indoor teaching spaces.

The unions took action last Friday, seeking to restrain the university from implementing and enforcing the revised COVID-19 policy, which was announced on Monday, Sept. 26.

University officials believe their decision to lift the mask mandate was appropriate and based on current state and federal practices, adding the reinstatement is temporary and will remain in place until a final decision is made by PERC following its consideration of the submissions by the university and the unions. 

The university adds that it is confident that its Sept. 26 announcement was consistent with all applicable state and federal laws.