As of July 31st, Oakland University has announced that they will be requiring a “BioButton” for students (on-campus and athletes) staff, and faculty to wear to better track Covid-19 and monitor for symptoms. Many students are already hesitant, at best, to be tracked as they stay on campus (and as they leave for the weekend to visit home, go to class, grocery shop, etc.)

A large portion of students feel that this in violation of their privacy and some students have stated that their rejections of this idea come from a religious basis. Moreover, the new idea (evidently a large adjustment) was not mentioned but instead put further into the website for individuals to stumble across.

As an Oakland University enthusiast and someone who bleeds black and gold, we must object to this and make it optional for all individuals. Masks and socially distancing are understandable and per CDC guidelines but this seems like a large overreach in terms of student and staff privacy.

Students, staff and family members, PLEASE reach out to the Oakland University Dean of Students, President‘s Office, Student Congress or University Housing and voice your concerns. 

For more information on the ReOpening plan: https://t.e2ma.net/click/3aew8c/r1yohy/fogsd6

For more information on the BioButton: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/biointellisense-introduces-the-biobutton-for-90-days-of-continuous-wireless-temperature-and-vital-signs-monitoring-on-a-coin-sized-disposable-medical-device-301053694.html