Halle Coleman
Staff Writer/MC 301 Student
As an extension of the current safety plan, Jackson State University announced on Sept. 9 that new campus community guidelines would go into effect Sept. 11.
The new guidelines include practicing social distancing and prohibiting group games, gatherings, or events, the erasure of congregation in parking lots or room to room as well as in parking lots and the Gibbs-Green Plaza. No off-campus or inter-hall visitation in the residence hall will continue.
In addition, a curfew is in effect for entry back on to campus. Students should return to campus no later than 11 p.m. to gain entry. From 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. campus access is restricted and students should be in their room. All students must have their student id on them at all times as well.
Students who work between the hours of 11 p.m to 5 a.m. must contact their employer and provide campus safety with the proper documentation of work. Campus safety is instructed to then provide students with a working pass that has to be displayed in the vehicle when entering campus.
All students on campus are instructed to adhere to the additional guidelines. It was also stated that failure to comply will result in disciplinary actions and or/removal from on campus housing.
The memo containing the guidelines came addressed from the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Susan Powell. It was presented as having been put in place to lessen the spread of Covid-19 and ensure the safety and protection of the campus community. However, many students felt it was punishment for the block party held the previous weekend.
Kennedy Allen, a junior social work major from Little Rock, Ark. feels as if it is a way to chastise the student body.
“The new curfew that is in place feels much like punishment. We are young adults, emphasis on adults. Administration says it was put in place as an effort to protect us from COVID but really, it is nothing but an inconvenience and impractical,” said Allen.
David White, a sophomore political science major from Jackson, Miss. agreed with Allen.
“I feel it wasn’t very helpful, setting a curfew only stops fewer problems from occurring after 11, it still doesn’t help fix anything that occurs before that time, which is when most incidents happen,” said White.
Both Powell and Acting President Thomas Hudson addressed the growing concern surrounding the curfew during the first Student Government Association Townhall meeting.
“Most of the restrictions were already in place. They were correct and they were necessary but for us to communicate them in a way that made it seem that we were punishing you the entire student body was wrong,” President Hudson stated.
He added, “It wasn’t the right thing to do. I acknowledge that and own that. Going forward, we will do better with our messaging.”
Powell explained that the curfew will not be permanent, but it will continue to be enforced until stated otherwise. Other precautions such as staying 6 feet apart, wearing masks while not in personal space, and continuous disinfection and sanitation will also continue to be enforced.
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