by Lexey Burns, Editor-in-Chief
Laurentian University is saying students in residence need to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day “in an alternate fashion.”
In an email to students, LU Residence said “With rising COVID-19 cases in Sudbury, and our Public Health Unit being moved into the grey zone, it is not possible to celebrate in the same way we once did.”
Students living in residence are not allowed to gather with other students outside of their apartments.
Indoor gatherings are forbidden while outdoor gatherings with ten people or less, while maintaining social distance, are permitted.
Residence said that students not following these guidelines will be at risk of losing their residence space for the 2021-2022 term, as well, students could face possible eviction for this current term.
“We know that this has been a challenging year, and we encourage you to hang on just a while longer,” the email said.
But some students are voicing their disagreement with the regulations.
Cole Bowhey, a second-year mechanical engineering student living in residence said “it’s like being in jail.”
Bowhey said that he doesn’t agree with paying full price for residence when students can’t access study spaces or see friends “who are breathing the same circulated air.”
Bowhey also said the negative effect lockdown is affecting students’ mental health.
“I know a few students who have been feeling suicidal about this situation too.”
“It’s sad… especially threatening to prevent students from having a place to live next year. What about students who don’t live near Sudbury? Off-campus housing is limited,” Bowhey said.
Joseph McGibbon, Residence Life Manager at Laurentian, said “This is a provincial regulation not a residence rule”.
Jacqueline Cowan, a second-year Concurrent Education student in residence, reposted the announcement with the caption “let’s not be stupid tomorrow… there’s more important things than having drinks with boys ‘in the name of Ireland’”.
“There will be other St. Paddy’s Days,” Jacqueline posted.
Cass Cowan, residence’s program coordinator, said “Honestly the way I see it is that if these restrictions are drastically changing your lifestyle now, then you’ve likely not been following the Ontario laws.”
“We’re over a year into the pandemic, and month 7 in residence, so if you’re still not following rules then maybe you should be seeing harsher consequences,” Cass said.
Residence says they “would be happy to respond to any questions or concerns you may have at residence@laurentian.ca.”
Laurentian University offers several places for support for students struggling with mental health, including Accessibility Services accessibilityservicesinfo@laurentian.ca or Laurentian Counselling Services (705) 673-6506.
Students can also reach out to the Canadian Suicide Prevention Service. (Open 24/7.) 833-456-4566.