The students of Fordham University request that the Fordham academic administration offer a hybrid learning option for ALL classes for the Spring 2022 semester.

We believe that forcing in-person learning goes against the physical and mental health of many students. Immunocompromised students, faculty, and family are at risk with no option to learn remotely. A strict in-person mode feels as though our consent is being violated as we are obligated to only take courses in-person. As covid cases in New York City are spiking at an all-time high, we believe Fordham is putting both students and the surrounding communities at risk.

The rationale behind this movement is that the strict in-person policy forces commuters to face constant exposure via public transportation and traveling. They also may have at-risk families who they may not be able to isolate from, thus putting them at risk. A vast amount of FCLC and FCRH students are commuting from outside of Manhattan and the Bronx, which means cross-borough travel will increase any exposure risks. Hybrid learning options for all classes would allow these students to prevent the constant exposure risk for their health, the health of their family, and the health of their own community.

A hybrid option would also lower the number of people in a condensed area and provide students from all situations to accommodate themselves as needed. We want to contribute to the safety of those students and the Fordham community as a whole by asking for this hybrid option.

A hybrid/virtual learning option is being implemented in universities nationwide, including Harvard​, NYU​, Columbia, and UCLA. Fordham remains one of the only top-named institutions that does not offer any virtual or hybrid option to at-risk or concerned students. 

Cura Personalis requires us to care for the whole person - which should extend to the health and safety of our community. Fordham says that they pride themselves on this concept, but actions speak louder than words. Allow at-risk students to engage in learning from the safety of their own homes if they choose the option. Please implement a hybrid learning option for all spring 2022 classes.