Purdue Gets Tough On Coronavirus Restrictions On and Off Campus
Thirty-six Purdue University students were suspended Thursday after attending a gathering at an on-campus house in West Lafayette.
The school cited violations of the Protect Purdue Pledge, which — among other guidelines — calls for the use of face masks and social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The Protect Purdue Pledge says, in part, “I pledge to take responsibility for my own health and the protection of others, and I will help keep the Purdue community safe from spread of COVID-19 and other infections by adhering to university instructions.” The pledge is similar to Ball State’s “Cardinals Care Pledge.”
On Wednesday, Purdue announced any student who violated the policies of the pledge would officially face disciplinary action — a step school trustees set in motion in May. Those violations include hosting or attending a party or event — on or off campus — where attendees do not abide by the pledge.
In a welcome letter to students Wednesday, Purdue Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Students Dr. Katie Sermersheim said the school would be taking a “hard line” regarding parties and gatherings where mask-wearing and social distancing guidelines were not followed.
A violation of the student conduct regulations now includes, “Organizing and/or hosting, either individually or with others, an event, party or other gathering or attending such an event, where the attendees are not required to, or willfully fail or refuse to, adhere to the requirements of the Protect Purdue Pledge, or of state or local public health laws, regulations or orders.” Social distancing and wearing a face mask are also included along with other points for gatherings on and off campus.
In a statement about the suspensions Thursday, Sermersheim said the university has been clear in its messaging to students about expectations around COVID-19, and that the school’s long planning process to allow students to return for in-person learning could “be undone in the blink of an eye” by one party.
Purdue’s first day of classes is Monday.
