BREAKING NEWS: Liberty University moving most classes online to combat coronavirus, campus to remain open
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After originally deciding to resume classes as normal following spring break, President Falwell announced Monday afternoon that most Liberty University residential classes will transition to online status beginning Monday, March 23, in response to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.
Liberty was one of the last universities to announce its partial closure in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. While a social media petition receiving thousands of signatures asked Falwell to move classes online, the decision to make the transition came in response to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s announcement of the emergency ban on public gatherings of over 100 people.
Most classes will complete the spring semester online, with the exception of programs like aviation, osteopathic medicine, nursing and certain labs, according to Liberty News.
Campus residence halls and dining facilities will remain open and staffed since some students are unable to return home, but the way meals are picked up will be modified, Falwell said per Liberty News. Students have the option to return to campus and are instructed to stay in contact with their professors and deans for more instruction regarding online classes.
All Liberty-sponsored study abroad and international trips for the spring and summer semesters had already been canceled. A decision has not yet been made about the May 9 commencement ceremonies.
The meetings of student clubs, intramural sports teams and NCAA spring sports have also been canceled. Club sports teams, as well as student clubs, will be decided based on the case due to the limited number of students on campus. Falwell said the university will continue to assess the situation as the university moves forward.
“Please keep the elderly and the others at high risk with this virus in your prayers. Liberty is taking into account the sometimes conflicting orders and guidance of government officials and public health experts regarding higher education and our unique population. As this dynamic situation changes again, the university will continue to reassess” Falwell said, according to Liberty News.
President Trump declared a national state of emergency on Friday, March 13 and announced $50 billion in federal aid, due to the outbreak’s impact on the economy.
Trump urged states to set up emergency operation centers and hospital preparedness plans. He also announced his administration’s efforts to set up drive-thru test sites, according to The Hill. Trump asked Americans to join in a National Day of Prayer on Sunday, March 15.
On Monday, Trump advised Americans to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, as well as going to restaurants or food courts, citing “an invisible enemy,” according to Politico.
“Our overriding goal is to stop the spread of the virus. This will pass … and we’ll be even stronger for it,” Trump said per The Hill.
Updates to Liberty University’s response to the outbreak will continue to be posted on the university’s website.
Wood is the editor-in-chief. Follow her on Twitter @EmilyRWood17
That’s a great decision to make in these days .
In order to ensure safety, and to protect those without the virus, from contacting it, that decision should be what they should consider. Thanks for the update.
The Liberty Population is going to blow Lynchburg and surrounding areas off the map. I pray that Falwell will find it in his heart to join all Virginians in our efforts to fight the spread of coronavirus. He continues to find ways around bans because he won’t be ordered to do anything. His decisions affect us all.
Falwell, a Faux Christian just like his father, thinks his “Gawd” has told him to resume classes. Actually, he may have heard correctly. Perhaps God has developed a special lesson plan, that will demonstrate to the ignoramuses that Darwin was right about natural selection and the survival of the fittest.
It’s about time! They should have closed the campus and made these arrangements weeks ago. Completely irresponsible on the part of Jerry Falwell Jr; unless he has suddenly decided to believe in natural selection and it’s everyone for themselves.
None of those not adhering to that caution we all take, they should not be treated at any hospital. Let Fallwell and HIS GAWD take care of them.
America’s reaction to this ‘pandemic’ will go down in history as a MAJOR over-reaction and one of the most stupid things America has ever let (make) happen. We are America – we aren’t cowards. Re-open America NOW!