OU Students And Staff Call For Stronger COVID Protocols

NORMAN, Oklahoma – 

Some University of Oklahoma students and staff are pushing leaders for more COVID-19 precautions.

They are planning a public health rally on Tuesday.

“All we hear is that we are the OU family, and we just think our president should not be using that term as so many are nervous and anxious this year,” said Susan Kates, an OU professor.

OU community members organized what they call Days of Action, hoping to draw change from the administration.

With masking only being “encouraged” this year not required, the group has a list of demands they believe would better protect the OU community.

This includes adding the COVID-19 vaccine to the required immunization list and a public rebuttal to state law that bans school mask mandates.

This group shared their concerns inside the board of regents meeting yesterday, which included their public letter drawing hundreds of signatures in agreement.

English professor Susan Kates has been faculty at the university for 25 years and said she’s upset to see where it stands today.

“This is the first time I have ever spoken out against my school. I love my school, and I love my students. I have never been here when I thought the university wasn’t doing right,” said Kates.

The days of action will include a walkout at noon on Evans Hall professors are canceling their classes to allow students who want to attend.