BELLNGHAM, Wash. – WWU students protested on campus Monday, January 31st, for access to safer learning options in light of the Omicron surge.
The protest was organized online through Instagram and Discord by a student group called the Coalition of Home and Offline Individual Choice and Equity, or CHOICE.
Matthew Phillips, a student at the protest, said that the coalition wants students to have the option of online learning if they feel unsafe in a classroom setting.
“We’re asking for classes to be available online and in person,” said Phillips. “So, setting up teachers were teachers can zoom from class and give access to students that way. Record lectures so students can access them later. Whatever options are needed just to make sure everyone can get the education they deserve in a manner that works best for them.”
CHOICE started a petition detailing their demands that has amassed just under 600 signatures in two days.
University spokesman John Thompson says widespread hybrid online and in-person classrooms are not possible right now as they require additional training, staff and infrastructure.