An Iowa State University professor has health concerns in his family that leave him wanting to be able to ask students to wear masks during office hours, but the Iowa Board of Regents has held that faculty do not have that ability. Last week, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a law banning mask mandates by schools and other local government entities, and Regents President Mike Richards lifted the state of emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic that had been in effect for the state's three public universities. In doing so, Richards added that, "Effective immediately, faculty, staff, students, and visitors to campus will not be required to wear a mask or other face covering."