Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University, refused to protect the wellbeing of his students and partially reopened the school last week after extending spring break in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The private evangelical college in Lynchburg, Virgina opened to students again, bringing back about 1900 students.
The New York Times reports that 12 students are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Only three students have been tested for the virus. Of the three tested, one came back positive and one is still pending.
Ralph Northam, Governor of Virginia, closed state schools and non essential business last week. Residents of Virginia have been encouraged to stay home, but now the state is enforcing the recommendations. Monday at 2pm, Northam implemented a stay at home order for the entire state of Virginia.
New York Times also reports that initially Fallwell communicated to Mayor Treney Tweedy of Lynchburg that the number of students returning to campus would be 300– those who had limited housing options.
Falwell has been ignorant and reckless, undermining the experts’ advice to shut down schools. He underestimates the gravity of the pandemic, despite the country’s struggle in major hotspots such as New York. Falwell even spoke to Fox and Friends, suggesting that the pandemic was a political ploy against Trump.