University Of Alabama Bans Fraternity Parties & Other Student Gatherings

Coronavirus Concerns Affect Another Part Of College Life In 2020 

By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Colleges Blogger

One of the biggest aspects of college life, fraternity parties, have been temporality banned at the University of Alabama as the school tries to prevent an outbreak of the coronavirus.

As students returned to campus, photos circulated on social media of people standing in lines at the bars without masks. And while the Gallette’s bar owner wanted people to know what was seen outside was not reflective of what was happening inside, the images set off alarm bells across the Quad that the school could be on the brink of an outbreak.

In reaction, all student events have been canceled for two weeks, including activities at the frat houses.

“We are doing everything in our power to have a successful fall semester,” said Dr. Myron Pope, vice president for student life. “We are calling on our student body to do your part each and every day – on campus and off campus.”

Here is a list of what the university has banned:

1. Greek Houses – Access Restricted and Gatherings Prohibited

• All common gathering areas of Greek housing facilities are hereby closed.
• Residents may reside in their rooms.
• Meal service will be grab-n-go for residents and members.
• No one other than residents, advisors, and staff may enter a house.
• Social distancing is essential.
• Gatherings are prohibited in the house, on campus, and off campus.
• Escalated consequences will be imposed.

2. Housing and Residential Communities Facilities – Access Restricted and Gatherings Prohibited

• Common areas of our Housing and Residential Communities will remain closed.
• Visitors are prohibited.
• Social distancing is essential and gatherings are prohibited in the rooms, on campus, and off campus.
• Escalated consequences will be imposed.

3. Off-campus Houses – Gatherings Prohibited

• Off-campus residents are required to comply fully with the social activity, mask, and social distancing restrictions put in place by the Governor and the City.
• Off-campus gatherings are prohibited by law and University rule.
• Escalated consequences will be imposed for anyone who hosts or attends a social gathering in violation of these ordinances.

4. Escalated Consequences

• Hosts of gatherings will receive heightened consequences, even for a first offense.
• Serious and repeated violations will result in suspension.

5. Moratorium on Student Events

• The University is entering a 14-day moratorium on all in-person student events outside of classroom instruction, social or otherwise.