Protect the health of UT students and staff by preventing the spread of coronavirus!

This petition had 11,769 supporters

The Issue

With the imminent danger of Coronavirus being brought to campus after over 50,000 students return from spring break, it would be in the best interest of UT to close campus for at least two weeks (the virus's incubation period) after break. There is no way for UT to prevent that many students and staff members from going overseas or even to different parts of the US for break, and there is no way for UT to enforce the suggested self-incubation for those students. By keeping students and staffers off campus for 2 weeks after break, they can effectively quarantine themselves at home in the event that they start showing symptoms of the virus without fear of being penalized for missing classes or getting behind on work. In addition, the 2 week suspension in return to campus will prevent those who show delayed symptoms of the virus from spreading it to other people, especially those living in dorms and off-campus apartments where the spread of germs and airborne particles is heightened.

Resolution: Hold classes online for the two weeks following spring break when campus will be closed. This will allow professors to still hold lectures and for students to continue to learn remotely.

The Decision Makers

President Gregory Fenves
President Gregory Fenves
University of Texas at Austin

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