Hello! We are students of the University of North Texas (UNT)- and we are petitioning for our university to allow us to have access to a Zoom link that would allow us to attend and participate in class live if we are uncomfortable attending class in person.  This does not mean that we are trying to get rid of in-person classes, and this does not mean that we want all remote classes. This simply means that we would like access to a zoom link. We are asking for the same zoom link that is already given to those that have COVID, therefore adding no additional cost and requiring no additional effort from instructors. Several Texas universities have already switched to remote classes or offered students the option to attend via zoom due to the insane covid numbers right now. UNT has made it clear that they have no intention of offering accommodations for those who feel unsafe attending in-person classes. This is dangerous, unnecessary, and could turn into a death sentence for some.

A good amount of our student body is immunocompromised or has other reasons that affect their ability to feel safe while attending in-person classes. By forcing us to attend in person, the university is not considering our health or our lives. Last year a student, Helen Etuk, died because they were forced to attend an in-person class, even though they had lupus. The university's negligence to keep students safe led to their death, and now other students and their families may face the same fate. Students and faculty can not learn and succeed if they are sick. Students and faculty can not learn if they are dead. Students and faculty can not do anything if they are dead.

Finally, not only is UNT risking our lives by putting our physical health at risk, but they are also endangering the stability of our mental health. Several members of the student body have reached out and discussed how poorly they were doing after having to deal with the physical and mental ramifications of getting covid from their in-person classes. Students have also said that they have been unable to focus academically because they are so concerned about how to avoid getting covid. These conditions do not benefit anyone in the mean green community.

In the last day, there have been around 75,000 new cases in Texas and as of January 27, there were only 259 beds available in the entire state. This number is lower than the previous record set in September.  The Department of State Health Services has reported that 1 in 3 COVID tests taken in Texas is positive. Omicron is incredibly contagious and our students and staff are going to suffer due to it. Increasing cases, regardless of a change in severity, may pose overwhelming demands on healthcare systems and may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Since the start of school covid cases on campus has increased dramatically.

So we ask you to sign this petition to push our administration to consider offering zoom or other alternative learning options, for those who can't risk getting COVID, whether it be because they are disabled, immunocompromised, or just don't want to be sick. We need to protect the health of our students, faculty, and staff, not endanger them. The university needs to consider what is best for everyone's mental and physical health, rather than assuming that what is best for some is best for all.