As the COVID-19 pandemic increases, schools and universities across the U.S. have switched over to online classes and cancelled their in person classes. These schools have done this in order to protect and prevent their fellow students and communities from contracting COVID-19. With that being said, Mercyhurst University, which is located in Erie, PA, has not taken the action of switching over to online classes. In fact, the university has sent out an email stating that the school is not cancelling classes or closing at this time. Although there has not been any confirmed cases of COVID-19 within Erie, numerous schools within a 150 mile radius of Mercyhurst have taken precautions such as moving toward online classes or extending their spring breaks. Examples of schools within Pennsylvania and bordering states located within the 150 mile radius that have closed or switched to online classes include: Case Western Reserve, John Carroll University, Butler County Community College, Edinboro University, Slippery Rock University, University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Robert Morris University, Kent State University, Cleveland State University, Baldwin Wallace University, The University of Akron, and The University of Buffalo. As fellow students of Mercyhurst University, we feel as though students' safety is being compromised through the schools blatant disregard to align with surrounding universities who have taken precautionary measures. If action is not taken soon and an outbreak does occur, it will not only make the university look unprepared and unsympathetic towards its students, but will also put educators and students at an elevated risk. Don't wait until it's too late, sign today.