To Chapman Administrators, Disability Services Office, and the COVID-19 Task Force:

We are calling on Chapman University to promote equal access to education by:

1. Reinstating the hybrid learning model used in the past with the choice to attend or teach class online or in-person with no penalty for choosing the remote option. 
2. Providing COVID-19 testing to any student who requests it
3. Reinstating COVID clear checks at entrances to Chapman buildings while testing requirements are still in effect

With the hybrid model, students and professors who wish to remain in person would do so while those who do not feel comfortable coming to campus would be able to attend class remotely. This is especially important with the recent denial of testing, lifting of the mask mandate, and removal of access to data on known COVID-19 cases at Chapman and the COVID clear checks (without the checks, students who haven’t completed their testing requirement or quarantine period may enter buildings and risk exposing others) without prior notification. It is necessary for the entire Chapman community to be able to attend class without also having to risk our health. Students who test positive for COVID-19, are experiencing illness, or have been exposed to the virus would benefit from not having to miss class material and be penalized because of attendance policy. 

A hybrid model would also provide accessibility (including in non-pandemic times) for students who have a chronic illness, disability, mental illness, or any other condition that prevents them from being able to attend in-person every day. The Americans with Disabilities Act states that “Educators must make necessary modifications to the academic requirements of a course of study if these requirements have a discriminatory impact on a student with a disability. Educators, however, do not have to waive or change the requirements if they are essential to the course or if the changes would fundamentally alter the program. This should be determined on a case-by-case basis by consulting with the educator and reviewing the course description.” As the requirement to attend class in person is discriminatory toward students with disabilities, the ADA supports an accommodation such as the hybrid learning model.

Students who are not necessarily protected by the ADA can also benefit from the hybrid model. For example, students experiencing migraines, extreme menstrual cramps, emotional/mental distress, or physical injury would be able to attend class more easily on Zoom or with a recorded lecture. As Chapman has already proven that they can provide online classes, this hybrid model can and should be put into effect immediately.