Dear President Sands and Cleveland State Administration,

As the Omicron variant sweeps through the United States, we are aware and are thankful that as reports suggest, the symptoms are less severe and similar to that of the common cold. We, the students of Cleveland State University, have faithfully followed the school’s COVID policies for the past two years and hope to return to post-COVID normalcy. It is important that we learn to live with this new risk. Therefore, as students of CSU we humbly petition that:

• Masks be made optional while on school grounds, including inside buildings and gymnasiums
• Vaccines be offered as optional and not mandatory
• Recognition and respect be given to natural immunity
• Sick students be encouraged to stay home or in their respective domiciles
• The university remain committed to unhindered in-person learning; offering web-based options where appropriate
• Dining halls and their respective eating area remain open to sit-down meals

As free-thinking and mature students of CSU, we believe in the science of vaccines and natural immunity. With the availability of three vaccines and the university's robust addition of advanced air filtration, we feel that there are ample ways in which students and faculty may protect themselves without being compelled by mandates or requirements. We believe that individuals have the knowledge and discernment to perform self governance and to make their own health decisions. Personal responsibility and safe learning can be achieved simultaneously and are not inversely related.   

Thank you,

The Student Body of CSU