OU-AAUP Public Statement on OHIO’s Response to COVID-19

OU-AAUP thanks President Nellis for taking decisive action on the health crisis posed by COVID-19. The safety of our students and of our whole university community is our top priority, and we acknowledge President Nellis’ great efforts on that front. We applaud the clarity of his communication with the campus community on this issue, and express thanks to Dr. Kenneth H. Johnson who, in the position of Chief Medical Affairs Officer, is guiding us all in making calm, research-informed responses to this developing situation.

We must all make responsible adjustments to protect ourselves and one another here at OHIO. While decisive action is needed to respond to the concerns raised by COVID-19, we must also keep in mind the long-term academic wellbeing of OHIO.

On March 2, we called on President Nellis to publicly announce a halt to all Instructional Faculty layoffs by March 16, 2020. Today, in this unusual context, we urge President Nellis to not make alterations to the makeup of this university’s faculty. Decisions of this magnitude should not be made while classrooms are shuttered and campus events are suspended.

We again thank President Nellis and the rest of the university administration for keeping students’ safety, as well as that of the broader Athens community, at the forefront during this uncertain and trying time. Let’s come together for both the immediate and long-term health of Ohio University.

In Bobcat Solidarity,
OU-AAUP