11 At Montclair State Accused Of Breaking COVID Rules, Partying

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair State University has suspended housing privileges for 11 students after they were allegedly caught partying without social distancing or face masks last weekend, school administrators said.

According to a MSU spokesperson, on Sunday morning, the university got word that some students were taking part in at least one off-campus party and some smaller gatherings in residence hall rooms.

The gatherings broke the university’s strict coronavirus guidelines, administrators said.

“As a result, 11 students have been suspended from on-campus housing – not from the university – and are being required to quarantine for 14 days before returning to the campus,” a spokesperson told Patch.

The students will have to present medical clearance before they’ll be allowed to return to the campus.

Montclair State University began allowing students back into on-campus housing earlier this month. Students who want to live in the residence halls have been moving in in staggered shifts over the past few weeks.

Classes begin Tuesday, with instruction delivered in a format called HAWKFlex: face-to-face, hybrid (on campus and online) and fully online.

“The vast majority of our students are following the rules,” the spokesperson said. “We are disappointed that a small number chose to disregard these rules and by so doing, to create risk for our campus community. We are holding those students accountable for their actions. We have made extensive efforts to educate all of our students about what is expected of them, and we will continue to do so.”

TEXT MESSAGE TO STUDENTS

Montclair State officials sent a text notice about the incidents to students, warning them that they may be getting a message to “pack your bags and go home” the next time.

The message read:

“Let me begin by saying, the great majority of students are being mature and responsible and doing what they need to do to keep themselves and others safe and to enable us to keep students on campus. I am incredibly proud of them. They are the real Red Hawks.

“But this weekend, some students chose an opposite path. They gathered in large groups to party without masks and social distancing. Those students apparently think the rules do not apply to them. Those students apparently do not care that their actions could affect the thousands of students who are responsibly trying to pursue their education and the employees who are working hard to keep the University safe and open for them.

“Please understand, there will be no second chances. Any student who violates the safety protocols will be immediately suspended from housing (possibly for the remainder of the year), will be referred to the Director of Student Conduct for disciplinary action, and will be immediately de-registered from any courses or programs that have an on-campus component. There also are no refunds for housing when a student is removed through the conduct process. Eleven students have been suspended today, for this type of conduct.

“Any organization associated with the University that hosts, permits, or enables students to gather in violation of the rules, either formally or informally, will be immediately suspended for the remainder of the year and possibly permanently.

“Students, this is real life; it’s not a game. I know it’s not fun, but greater maturity and a greater sense of responsibility in these difficult times.

“If you see something that is not appropriate and potentially dangerous, please contact your Resident Assistant, Resident Director or the University Police immediately.”

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