Campuses won’t be safe for anyone this fall

Higher Education is in serious fiscal trouble from accelerating reductions in government support (Colorado is 48th), declining numbers of college-age people, and shrinking research funds. The aggressive construction of new buildings has dramatically increased debt. These fiscal threats are worsening in the pandemic.

Understandably, most universities are desperate to bring students back to campus this fall to improve their cash flow.

While numerous steps are being proposed to mitigate the pandemic risk, it is sheer lunacy to think these steps will prevent major outbreaks. Imagine thousands of 18-23 year olds descending on campus. Even if “most” take adequate precautions “most” of the time, few will be perfect and many will ignore the guidelines (see Florida beaches and Texas bars). The consequences of the irresponsible decision to open campuses will be borne by an older, higher-risk population (professors) and a younger lower paid population with lesser health insurance (housekeepers, food service workers, etc.). When campuses inevitably reclose, infected students returning home will put their families at greater risk.

It is past time for faculty councils to stand up for the welfare of their members and campuses.

Inform administrators that there will be no in-person classes — period! Faculty will only teach online. Stop wasting time and money planning on a fantasy. Open campuses are not going to happen.

Garry Auld, Fort Collins

Editor’s note: Auld is an emeritus professor in the Dept. Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University.