JAMAICA OBSERVER- Students at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, are set to stage a peaceful sit-out Monday, in protest of the university’s decision to resume face-to-face classes following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
In an open letter released on Sunday, a group of students called for a one-week suspension of academic activities, followed by the implementation of a mixed-modality learning framework to accommodate those still grappling with the storm’s aftermath. The letter describes the university’s move as “irresponsible” and “tone-deaf,” arguing that many students remain displaced, without access to basic utilities, and emotionally unprepared to resume studies.
The students emphasised that their protest is an act of solidarity with peers from western Jamaica, one of the hardest-hit regions, where thousands remain in shelters and key hospitals have been rendered inoperable.
Citing official reports, they noted that 25,000 people are currently displaced and at least 28 Jamaicans have died as a result of the hurricane.
“The university does not yet have the capacity to accurately identify how many of its own students are homeless, injured, trapped or God forbid have died,” the letter stated, adding that the decision to reopen campus “prematurely” ignores the physical and emotional toll of the disaster.
The students also drew comparisons with other institutions, noting that the University of Technology (UTech) has suspended face-to-face classes indefinitely and that UWI’s Western Jamaica Campus has delayed reopening by a week.
They criticised the Mona administration for pressing students to pay rent for accommodations they were forced to evacuate, calling it a “class issue” and “a profound abdication of empathy.”
The letter further highlighted the mental strain many students are facing, describing a “frozen mental and emotional state” brought on by trauma and uncertainty.
“To demand immediate academic participation amid such upheaval is not only imprudent but inhumane,” the statement read.
The group urged students to use “agency to resist” by not attending classes on Monday.
“Tomorrow, sit out,” the statement concluded, “resist the insensitivity and impracticalness of this decision.”
The letter was signed by several students.
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Totally agree with these students.
This is why I always say that greed and empathy are totally polar opposites.
That’s why we need empathetic people in leadership, because it’s people’s lives that really matter at the end of the day.
Well done students..just don’t be a sheep and just follow..you certainly have a right to your protest..after all it is your feelings, express them freely.
This is a painful decision. Whilst I can understand the University’s need to return to normal as soon as possible, the storm no doubt had an emotional and devastating effect on many of the students, some of whom are actually from the most devastated areas and are not in a position to either study or think right now.. As I mentioned before, some students might need counseling as they try to cope with what was the most traumatic thing that they have been through. Just the sound of the wind blowing outside right now is a frightening reminder of Melissa and her awesome power and different people take it differently. I hope that some compromise can be quickly reached.
Some of those student have never gone through any huricane but will need counselling. I understand there are even frequent blackouts. Why are they so insensitive? Is it only about money? Do what you have to do Students. Think about your peers who lost everything also.
The university only thinking about money being lost if they close for additional days. This is a learning institution that supposed to be compassionate and understanding of the issues students and staff have endured and they only thinking about profit lost.
Totally agree with the students in this instance. There seems to be a trend in academia where humanity is ignored in favour of pushing through with the system at all costs. During even mild storms, students may not have access to technology or may be busy with more important life saving work than attending classes. After storms, the same applies. Also, campuses and other school compounds need to be assessed for safety before bringing students back. Instructors are capable of getting students caught up if things need to be shut down for a few days or a week. Or, timelines could be adjusted later in the academic year. The schools should consider even going the extra mile and allow students to participate in volunteer activities collecting and distributing humanitarian aid for a bit instead of rushing right back to classes. That might help ease the stress that they would be feeling worrying about loved ones and others after the storm.