Currently, thousands of USC students have been severely negatively impacted by the ongoing wildfires that are ravaging the city of Los Angeles. Students are having difficulty returning home after night classes due to curfew restrictions, are concerned about leaving home due to looting, are constantly navigating mental health amidst displacement due to evacuation as well as constant monitoring for fire progress, safety of family and friends, and remaining alert in case of subsequent evacuation notices. In areas where the air safety levels are currently being reported as normal or moderate, many students with ongoing health issues including preexisting conditions and those brought on due to the fires are experiencing smoke inhalation effects including difficulty breathing, inflammation of the lining of their lungs and throat, headaches, difficulty concentrating, nausea, chest pain, and other symptoms. Additionally, students are breathing air that contains harmful particles that even masks cannot filter, and this will have continued long term consequences. We understand that many staff and faculty are also impacted and reeling from these events. 

In order to achieve the highest possible degree of success as students, we request for our education in the coming week to be moved to the virtual space and remain in that format until conditions improve significantly. This format will ensure that students with health conditions, those who have been forced to evacuate, and all who are facing hardship due to the fires will be able to access their lectures and participate fully as students without further harm to their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Furthermore, we are confident that this approach will allow USC to truly live up to the values passed on in its classes including acknowledgement of the dignity and self-worth of individuals, and the impact of community social justice and care. 

Thank you for your consideration.