On March 5th, The University of Tennessee at Martin in a press release stated that it was suspending international travel for its "Maymester" programs. With the university already having paid for hotels and flights for most trips. Both students and faculty, instead of being consulted, were informed by either the email or the press release itself.

     The intent was to prevent potential health risks of exposing students to the COVID-19 virus, more commonly known as the Corona Virus. Though the purpose was for the welfare of the students, it was a significant oversight. Tennessee, in itself, has already begun having its first cases in the Middle and Western regions of the state. The presence of the virus makes the risk, potentially, just as likely to contract here. 

   The purpose of this petition is so faculty and students can voice their opinion on the risks, and if exposure to the virus warrants the cancellation. The view could be gathered quickly by a meeting, town hall, or survey via Canvas or email. Students and community members over the age of 18 should be allowed to choose if they want to risk their health. The choice could even be made official by a form consenting to accept the potential risk, and still, rather benign risk, that they could contract a virus that is already present in the state the university itself resides.