The Daily Tar Heel

Serving the students and the University community since 1893

Wednesday May 31st

2020 Coronavirus Outbreak


Signs promoting social distancing and safety at the Die-In Protest on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020 as Jennifer Standish, a UNC graduate student in the Department of History, speaks outside of South Building on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020. The protest called for UNC to transition to fully remote classes for the Fall 2020 semester after a letter of caution sent to Chancellor Guskiewicz by the Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart.

UNC employees sue the University system over workplace safety

Gary Shipman, a Wilmington-based lawyer, is representing UNC System faculty and staff in the midst of preparing a class-action lawsuit to delay in-person classes. In a response to Shipman, NCDOL General Counsel Jill F. Cramer and Deputy Commissioner of Labor Kevin Beauregard acknowledged the concerns of faculty and staff members. However, they stated it is the responsibility of the UNC System to develop policies and plans that reduce the risk of exposure of contracting COVID-19 — not the department. 

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UNC fans cheer on the football team at the homecoming game against Duke on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019 at Kenan Memorial Stadium. UNC defeated Duke 20-17 for the first time in three years.

Will students feel comfortable going to games this fall?

Despite a rising number of positive COVID-19 tests across the country, the ACC plans to start its football season the week of Sept. 7-12. With the North Carolina football team planning to play an 11-game schedule, the UNC athletics department could open the doors of Kenan Stadium to fans in a limited capacity.  

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Tyler Smith, an incoming first-year, exits Graham Residence Hall wearing a mask as two RA's, sophomores Tiel Pham (left) and Nigel Goins (right) sit in the entryway to assist with move-in on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020.

Orange County health director calls for UNC to go fully remote for at least five weeks

Orange County Health Department Director Quintana Stewart sent a letter to UNC officials on July 29 recommending the University limit on-campus housing and implement online-only instruction for the first five weeks of the semester as a minimum. The letter was released to the public Wednesday, sparking outrage among faculty and community leaders. Shutting down campus, however, "is not a realistic option," Stewart said.

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Screenshot from the virtually Faculty Committee Meeting on Friday, June 19, 2020 to discuss the Carolina Roadmap.

'This road leads to a disaster': Faculty express reopening concerns in letters

UNC faculty have expressed concerns about the University's reopening, along with student leaders and campus workers. Through a public letter published in The Charlotte Observer and a letter from Chairperson of the Faculty Mimi Chapman, faculty have expressed their fears of returning to campus and of community spread of COVID-19.  “We are willing to do our part,” Chapman wrote. “But at this point, I believe that our University and perhaps the entire UNC System is being asked to turn straw into gold.”

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UNC System workers march across campus towards South Building on Friday, July 17, 2020 to protest the university’s approach to reopening.

Campus workers delivered demands to University officials. Their deadline just passed.

Director of Housekeeping Services Herb Richmond received a petition from UNC housekeepers on July 22, which demanded a response within the next five business days. To date, campus workers have heard no response, said Penny Elliott, crew leader for UNC Housekeeping.  The petition addresses concerns such as providing proper personal protective equipment, requiring health checks at work, extending administrative leave and requiring the University to be transparent about the private contractors hired to clean. 

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