If you haven’t read the South Dakota State University newspaper article about the COVID Quarantine camp on the South Dakota State University’s campus, you need to do it now, because this does not sound like a good situation:
“They brought a case of water in for the weekend, but when there’s nine or 10 people, a case of water is not enough. Especially people who might be sick,” Johnson said. “We didn’t know if we had it yet either, so I was really trying to stay ahead on my water in case I did have it.”
After direct complaints to administrators, styrofoam boxes were replaced with microwavable paper boxes and food portions increased from one box a day to two.
and…
In addition to a lack of shower curtains, students reported not receiving any bedding, masks or thermometers. Another student could not fit between the concrete walls on either end of their mattress due to their height and was required to put their mattress on the floor to sleep.
“We ran out of toilet paper on Saturday and we didn’t get any more till Monday,” Johnson said.
According to those in QIH, the administration was holding the students to a higher standard than the space they were housing them in. They received an email from the university stating that, if they did not abide by the strict mask policy, they would be subject to behavioral probation.
“It’s just not effective. It can’t be effective if you’re sharing a space like the bathroom with people,” she said. “You can’t threaten me with behavioral probation because I’m exercising without a mask, then make me share a bathroom with other girls. That doesn’t make sense.”
What is going on up at SDSU? It’s bad enough that SDSU’s president Barry Dunn is demanding that the city institute guidelines to his liking, but now we’re finding out about his running a COVID quarantine camp up at the campus? And particularly one where they’re forcing students to live in, but not taking care of them.
Again, wow.
This is one of those situations that Regents and State Government need to interject themselves into. Now.
Well, that’s one way to feature the captured, moronic leadership of SDSU on InfoWars.com (and probably every other news channel).
As far as the college kids go .. experience is the best teacher.
#facepalm
If every college student in SD got COVID, there would be less hospitalizations and deaths than if it went through Good Sam in Sioux Falls.
It is better on so many levels if they are in college vs. running around in the greater society.
Barry Dunn needs face the monster under his bed.
University response to the Collegian story. Collegian did not contact the university for comment prior to publishing the story.
The story is not reflective of the current situation in QIH. These were issues that were brought to the university’s attention during the first weekend QIH was used just prior to students moving on campus in mid-August.
The issues were legitimate concerns at the time and the university was not as prepared as we should have been to have students in that housing location prior to classes starting. We worked with the students then to correct the issues and continue to adjust and improve this service based on student feedback. Food service is delivered daily with three meals and there are also resources for additional nutrition, counseling services, student health services, as well as many other student services.
Additionally, the university has entered into agreements with some area hotels for QIH housing as well and we are beginning to use this option in addition to campus facilities.
SDSU continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on the campus and in the community. Our students, faculty and employees have responded to the challenge to date and we continue to operate toward our goal of on-campus instruction until the Thanksgiving break.
I don’t believe it is the job of the paper to contact you. With your president’s mask mandate and strong arming of the city of Brookings you’re looking at losing many many students in the next semester and hopefully the damage will not be permanent. It’s time for Dr. Dunn to step out.