On Sunday, Notre Dame responded to an editorial written in the student newspaper, The Observer, about the university’s response to COVID-19. Now, five professors from four different departments, none of them related to health or science, have decided to speak out. The Observer published a letter co-authored by these professors Tuesday.
The letter argues that closing down the university would adversely affect the students in ways beyond a lack of in-person education. Specifically, the professors worry that an isolated college experience would be detrimental to the students both socially and psychologically. What’s more, they would not be able to be tested or supervised on campus and might even be more at risk since they’d likely go out in their hometowns.
While it’s true that students have lost a lot during this pandemic, including a normal college experience, it’s all happening for a reason. Call it overabundance if you want, but until this virus is contained to a reasonable degree and/or a vaccine is developed, the option of sending students home can’t be ruled out. Almost every day, we’re seeing new rules and regulations being put in place as dictated by the progression of the virus, so plans for every scenario must be kept on the table. Though it’s unfortunate, it’s a result of the new normal: one that seems to place physical health above all other types.