Fallwell Jr.’s response to the pandemic has left Liberty students and staffers feeling confused and unsettled.
, with roughly 800 leaving again by the following week. In his op-ed in Newsweek this week, Falwell Jr. wrote that only 1,100 students ever returned from spring break. That piece characterized Liberty as “doing our share to limit the spread of the coronavirus responsibly and ethically, while also fulfilling our Christian mission.”
Students, too, have been receiving mixed messages. The Office of Residence Life sent residential students an email on March 17 reminding them that classes were moving online and “encouraging you to consider staying home.” The next day, Falwell Jr.on right-wing commentator Todd Starnes’ podcast and breezily announced he expected most students to return.
For many Liberty employees, the confusion has led to rising anxiety. As of last week, a significant share of Liberty faculty and staff members were still working from their offices, according to conversations with several employees who did not want to be named. Until last week, Liberty’s website instructed employees to report to their supervisors if they experienced symptoms, but otherwise they were expected to be on campus.
On Wednesday, March 25, the website was updated to instruct faculty and staff to make COVID-19 “work-related adjustments” with their supervisors. In practice, however, many staff members still felt wary about approaching their bosses about working from home. “Everybody is worried about what Jerry thinks,” the staff member told me. “That’s a strong motivating factor that trickles down.
One student I spoke to, Anna Kelchner, had returned to campus from spring break in Fort Lauderdale and was self-isolating in her room of her own volition. She read the New York Times story, and then read the administration’s rebuttal. She had given up trying to figure out which was true. “Just like any other media,” she said, “I don’t know what to believe.”
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
First TSA employee dies from COVID-19A TSA employee at Newark Liberty International Airport dies from complications of COVID-19, authorities say
Lire la suite »
Jerry Falwell Jr reopens Liberty University, 12 students quickly display COVID-19 symptomsLast week, evangelical pastor Jerry Falwell Jr. ordered his students and staff back to Liberty University. Now, at least 12 students are displaying coronavirus-like symptoms.
Lire la suite »
California Trans-Led Organizations Call For Increased State Support To Help Their Communities Through The PandemicThe COVID-19 crisis is exacerbating the severe economic and health challenges this community already endures.
Lire la suite »
Two sisters were inseparable for 9 decades. Now the coronavirus lockdown keeps them apartThe COVID-19 pandemic forces two sisters apart after nine decades
Lire la suite »
Six-year-old 'cystic fibrosis warrior' celebrates recovering from COVID-19A 6-year-old Tennessee boy who lives with cystic fibrosis survived his battle against COVID-19 after being diagnosed with the disease last month.
Lire la suite »
How Brands Can Successfully Engage With Consumers Quarantined Due To COVID-19Here's how brands can successfully engage with consumers quarantined due to COVID-19:
Lire la suite »