Currently, the U.S. still has an active travel ban on several countries including China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom and European Schengen area. Individuals who stay in these countries for 14 consecutive days before departure cannot enter the United States.

This means that if an international student currently in Durham chooses to go home to one of these countries, they either (1) cannot return for fall semester or (2) will need to transit in another country for 14 days before flying back to the United States, which comes with many health, financial, and visa considerations. Thus, it is only reasonable that a number of international students will be seeking on-campus housing for Summer 2021. For many of these students, summer housing (and its costs) would not have been part of their plan for any summer breaks if not for COVID.

According to Duke HRL and Student Affairs, the 2021 summer housing rate will be $50.45/day. The highest rate in the past three years-- especially compared to the past summer, where Duke waived housing fees for those who needed to remain on campus due to COVID. Currently, Duke HRL's response to this issue is that "details are still being discussed" and that they "do not have further information if Duke will be providing assistance."

Considering the unique personal and financial challenges students still face in the current pandemic, we believe Duke University should again waive summer housing expenses for international students facing travel bans.