Tulane University said it will suspend or expel students who host parties or gatherings of more than 15 people when college reopens in the fall.
Tulane’s announcement came last week after the institution said it learned that over the July 4 weekend, students in New Orleans hosted large gatherings without any social distancing protocols despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The behaviors of the student hosts and those who chose to attend these parties was disrespectful, selfish and dangerous and not in line with Tulane values,” said the university’s dean of students, Erica Woodley, in a statement addressed to the student community. “This type of behavior is indefensible and truly shameful.”
Woodley further said the university is still to complete its “enforcement plan” for when students come to campus in the fall, but it feels compelled to deliver the message about strict action immediately.
“The calculation is simple – If you want to have a residential experience at Tulane in the fall, you have to behave differently,” said Woodley. “This means, no large gatherings (+15 people), and at all times wearing masks in public spaces, practicing social distancing and washing your hands.“
The university said “problematic behavior” can be reported on its online report system.
The statement ended with a question: “Do you really want to be the reason that Tulane and New Orleans have to shut down again?”
