As lockdowns lift, people are returning to larger gatherings, regardless of whether or not they follow COVID-19 guidelines. Students at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana may now face expulsion for throwing parties without following coronavirus guidelines.
There is legitimate cause for concern. Up to 300 teens were exposed to COVID-19 during a “Pong Fest” party in Texas, and a group of students at Liberty University sued the evangelical school for being exposed despite health department warnings. So, after social media posts among Tulane students throwing a party circulated over the weekend, the administration acted.
Tulane University Dean of Students Erica Woodley denounced the behavior. She described it as “indefensible and truly shameful” in a letter to students.
For those of you who are returning students, as you know, we are incredibly lucky that Tulane is in a city that is unlike any in the country, a city where culture and community matter and one that honors difference. After an initial surge of infections, the citizens of New Orleans came together to flatten the curve of this pandemic and reduce infections to a rate that allowed for our city to begin reopening. The actions of the individuals over the weekend were very publicly disrespectful to the Tulane University community and to the people of New Orleans, and have the potential to undermine our significant progress against this deadly disease.
Erica Woodley, Dean of Students
Woodley relayed that the university is working toward completing its enforcement plan for the upcoming fall semester. However, students still had to do their part by following guidelines.
The Dean encouraged students to hold themselves and their peers accountable. Those aware of problematic behavior are advised to use the online report system or call the University Police at 504-865-5381.
At the end of the letter, she questioned students: “Do you really want to be the reason that Tulane and New Orleans have to be shut down again?”
Tulane University Coronavirus — Sources
Tulane University — COVID-19 Message Regarding Student Behavior