We the students, faculty and staff of Western Washington University demand that the administration require multi-modal online learning options for all classes. We further demand that educators be given proper training, compensation and full administrative support to ensure multi-modal options are available. We demand this based on the fact that COVID-19 cases are at an all time high with new variants such as Omicron, and the even more transmissible BA.2 on the rise. BA.2 is 1.5 times more transmissible than Omicron, more harmful than Delta, already being spread in Washington, and masks have been shown to not be as effective with these new variants. Western claims that proper precautions are being taken, yet many students are being crammed into classes with too many people to social distance properly, and proper mask use is not always enforced. 

    Many professors are not allowing the option of online learning to students who are at-risk or close with at-risk individuals because they do not have the full support from administration, nor the tools and time, to do so. Further, students should not have to disclose their disabilities, or the disabilities of their loved ones to the school in order to receive basic safety during a pandemic. Not only does this create a poor learning environment for many students, but it also creates inequities inside Western’s classrooms. No Western student or faculty member should ever have to choose between the health of themselves and their loved ones or their standing at Western.

    Many actions that Western’s administration have been taking have created an unsafe and inconsistent learning environment for everyone. If action is taken right now, we can create a more consistent learning environment, in addition to improving safety measures. Students either have to come to class, risk their safety, or risk their academic standing. Expanding online accessibility could potentially reduce transmission of COVID-19 and reduce the likelihood of unexpected jumps back and forth between online and in person. This will reduce the stress of unpredictability and lack of safety for all.