Walkout at SFU Monday in support of online learning extension

Some students, staff, and faculty at Simon Fraser University walked out of classes at 11 a.m. Monday to demand a delay to a full return to in-person learning.

It’s the first day students are going back to classes in person since the beginning of the winter break.

Walkout participants are also demanding access to what they call a safe learning environment during the Omicron COVID-19 spike.

It’s clear #SFU is not listening to students and workers anxious for safer conditions.

Meet Jan 24, 11 am at Convocation Mall to demand safety during COVID-19. #SFUCOVIDWALKOUT #SafetyFirst #covid19bc #bcpoli #COVID19 #cndpoli pic.twitter.com/98SFU7jtua

— SFU Student Walkout (@sfu_walkout) January 22, 2022

Gabriel Liosis, President of SFU’s Student Society says he is not surprised students are concerned about the return to in-person learning and he “wholeheartedly supports any demonstration.”

“It’s surprising, but disappointing that we’re still at this point with the university as it’s done during the pandemic…They have to do everything that they can to convince us that the situation they’re forcing us into is a safe one.”

Liosis says he has noticed a divide among students who want to return to class and those who prefer remote learning.

“This has created a divide between students. I do, however, think there is a general consensus the decision to come back on Jan. 24 is too soon. I’ll be honest, the last time we were online for a very extended period of time, for myself probably represented the worst period of my life in terms of mental health challenges.”

He says the pandemic has created a set of challenges that young people are having a difficult time navigating around.

Although SFU has stated safety guidelines are in place to ensure a safe return to class, Liosis says the precautions are arguable.

“When you think about other unstructured gatherings around campus, like your common study area or a cafeteria where they’re unstructured, you’re more likely to be congregating in groups of people you might not see on a regular basis, you’re more likely to take your mask off.”

He says structed environments like classes and lectures may be safer, but in unstructured social settings the risk of transmission is higher.

The walkout plans came together after SFU announced on Jan. 11 it would be restarting in-person learning. By comparison, UBC has extended online learning until at least Feb. 7.

Walkout organizers want SFU to consult with academic heads, deans, student leadership, and union representatives before making any further decisions about going back to a fully in-person routine.

“Several student and labour groups are being amplified and supported by this walkout,” said a statement from the organizers. “We support their calls to actions and urge that the SFU administration reverse this reckless decision before any of us or our families have to die or suffer the long term consequences of COVID.”

Advocates further support making hybrid learning available perpetually for education to remain more accessible to people who face hurdles to coming into class physically. They have called for free N95 masks at SFU, rapid testing on three campuses, and an extension of tuition and course withdrawal deadlines.

“Students across the country stand firmly in solidarity with all immunocompromised, disabled, neurodivergent, and COVID-19 anxious students and workers,” reads the statement.

“We call for a responsible, involved, and compassionate approach to COVID-19 that centres safety for the community on campus.”

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An anonymous SFU student confirmed students will be going home in protest after the gathering.

“The university unfortunately has not been listening to the safety demands of students and workers, so we’re hoping by students, staff, and faculty coming together, the university is forced to listen,” they said.

“So much of this would have been preventable had the university consulted with students and workers on the return to campus.”

Ideally, they say, SFU would extend hybrid learning until the Omicron wave is over.