Health Care

Northeastern University dismisses 11 students for violating social distancing policies

September 08, 2020 03:14·
Provided by Daily Mail Suffolk University has placed some 280 students at the Wyndham in Beacon Hill

Provided by Daily Mail Suffolk University has placed some 280 students at the Wyndham in Beacon Hill

"Northeastern expects the same simple, healthy behaviors of each person in its community-to practice healthy distancing, wear face coverings, participate in testing as required, and to comply with university policies and public health guidelines", read a letter to students from Madeleine Estabrook, the senior vice chancellor for student affairs.

The students were staying at the Westin Hotel as part of a modified study overseas program that lets first-year students live off campus in Boston. However, before departure, they were required to undergo COVID-19 testing at the school "with the understanding that anyone who tests positive will be moved into wellness housing at the university until they have recovered, in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus". "Those people who do not follow the guidelines - including wearing masks, avoiding parties and other gatherings, practicing healthy distancing, washing your hands, and getting tested - are putting everyone else at risk".

For all the lofty rhetoric about academic duty of care, one big reason colleges vowed to reopen this fall is because they need the money.

Last month the school sent stern letters to 115 freshmen and their parents after the students indicated on social media that they meant to attend parties this fall. Furthermore, they will not be refunded the $36,500 in tuition they paid in advance for the program.

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The students involved were part of an worldwide experience program at the school that had been modified due to COVID-19.

As of September 3, Northeastern has carried out 42,504 tests and had 23 positive cases - 20 belonging to students. "Together, we can keep each other safe, but it will require everyone's consistent cooperation". "Students who attend an unsafe gathering, social or party, either on or off-campus, can expect suspension".

Under normal circumstances during the school year, Boston is flooded with students from all over the USA and the world, attending the many colleges and universities in the city.

The virus is spreading at an alarming rate at the University of Alabama, where in-person teaching is still being allowed. Now they have reported over 51,000 cases at 1,020-plus schools across the country. Despite rising cases, the school has urged students to stay on campus, issuing a news release on Wednesday on the dangers of sending infected students home. They officially enroll as freshman in January, according to a university spokesperson. I think that lends to a lot of rhetoric around how important it is to open, and that we're going to figure out protocols to ensure something resembling a normal experience. "It clearly stated if we were to party or have more than 10 people that we would get suspended or dismissed".

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