Expulsion possible for Purdue students partying without masks, even off campus
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WISH) — Purdue University sent a stern warning to students Wednesday before classes begin. If they party without regard to the pandemic they could face discipline, including expulsion.
Students didn’t seem to be bothered by the university’s hard-line approach, in fact they appreciated it.
“These are unprecedented times,” said junior Charlie Wu.
“I think people need to take it just a little seriously, just for now,” added freshman Bella Medellin.
University officials said violations could result in suspension or expulsion, coming from the same place in student conduct policy as cheating or having drugs on campus.
“I think it is fair,” said sophomore Abby Stoy. “If you’re a student that is going to agree to that and you’re going to be stepping on campus every day, that is not only up to the university to make sure they’re doing everything they can, but it’s up to us as students.”
Both Notre Dame and UNC have been forced to go to e-learning just days after classes began of a surge linked to campus parties without social distancing and masks.
Students like Medellin said they don’t want a similar experience.
“It would be pretty sad. I’m really excited to be here and do on-campus learning rather than off because personally I feel I learn better if I’m physically in the classroom,” Medellin said.
“Our last semester got cut short and we don’t want to go home again,” added Stoy.
In the letter from Katherine L. Sermersheim, Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Students, Purdue warns hosting or even attending such a party could be grounds for discipline up to and including expulsion, even if the party is off campus.
“I think it’s necessary just to say that at least, but it’s going to be tough to enforce,” Wu said.
For now, Purdue has not said how it plans to enforce parties, especially off campus.
The plan is to offer in-person classes until Thanksgiving.
Stoy believes it will happen.
“I sure hope so,” she said.
But Wu isn’t so sure.
“No, not at all. I think we honestly make it 2-3 weeks,” he said.
The first day of classes at Purdue is Monday.