University students shouldn’t have to choose between their health and their futures. University staff shouldn’t have to choose between their lives and their livelihood.

COVID-19 may not stop ravaging our communities for a couple years. The success of converting to online class in reaction to the novel coronavirus should be a model for how universities operate during pandemics. If most states across the U.S haven’t seen a decline in  new COVID-19 cases then there is absolutely no reason to put university staff and students needlessly at risk when the infrastructure for remote learning is already in place. 

The first step is maintaining distance learning. The second step is subsidizing both the normal tuition rates for students as well as the salaries for university staff to accommodate at-home learning. Many students and staff are concerned that refusing to attend campus will mean the end of their existing scholarships and salaries. 

In-class learning simply is too dangerous to proceed with during such uncertain times. There’s a vast shortage and lack of access to PPE. Recommended protections simply aren’t enough when in an enclosed environment that encourages discussion. The act of speaking is enough to spread the virus and there have been reports of the virus infecting individuals on other floors because of the interconnected nature of HVAC systems.

The University System of Georgia has already decided to commence classes starting in the Fall of 2020. This is the wrong example to set for the rest of the world and it is assuredly to end with greater infection rates and death. Please sign the petition to shed light on the lack of concern for University students worldwide. Thank you.