University of Michigan mandatory quarantine: The shocking revelations
In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, many colleges have chosen to reopen their campuses for the fall semester with protocols adhering to coronavirus guidelines. Some universities are keeping their semesters alive so far, while others have had to resort to fully online learning due to outbreaks, including the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
The University of Michigan reopened, but a student has revealed a huge problem with the way that the university is handling students who have to quarantine after testing positive for coronavirus. Here are some details on the video and its shocking revelations.
Roaches and one roll of toilet paper
On Sept. 12, junior Sam Burnstein posted a video to TikTok, explaining his current situation. After testing positive for Covid-19, Burnstein moved into a single apartment that the University of Michigan designated for students who are exposed to the virus and need to quarantine themselves. According to Burnstein, the conditions of the apartment are less than satisfactory.
“We were given almost no supplies. We were given no food, no masks, no gloves, no microwave, no bedsheets, no soap, no cleaning supplies, nothing — except we were given one roll of toilet paper, single-ply,” Burnstein said in the video. “Oh, and did I mention there’s a roach infestation as well?”
In the video, Burnstein mentioned that the students who are members of the Graduate Employees’ Organization were absolute lifesavers as they were donating food to students stuck in these apartments.
Burnstein later said that the University of Michigan did send him sheets & toiletries after he posted the Tik Tok video, but he still knows plenty of students in similar situations who do not have the necessary supplies.
University of Michigan tries to clear the air
Rick Fitzgerald, University of Michigan Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs, released a statement clarifying this issue for students and parents who found this video to be disturbing.
“Students are not required to use the university’s quarantine housing and some prefer to return to their permanent residences for quarantine,” Fitzgerald said. “Students are able to bring with them what they need to be comfortable during their stay in quarantine. Each single-occupancy apartment includes a furnished bedroom, including sheets, blankets, and pillowcases.”
Fitzgerald also said that Student Life staff members check in with students every day by phone or email to make sure that they have everything that they need. The students also have the number for the University of Michigan’s health service and can call it day or night.
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All universities are trying to figure out the best way to provide an educational, fun, and most importantly, a safe environment for students to achieve success in. The University of Michigan is not alone as many schools have already had problems with coronavirus, but this video raised plenty of red flags.
