Allow Fairfield Seniors to be released from Campus

A major source of excitement for all Fairfield students is the opportunity to live on or near the beach their senior year. This is a long-going school tradition. By choosing to keep a large number of students on campus during their senior year, Fairfield University is separating classmates from their peers. Many students had their leases signed and had plans made for their senior year already. Moreover, students that were released from campus are also being impacted. Students that were a part of said leases that weren't released from campus cause the students that ARE currently able to live on the beach to pay much more for their houses as a result. This is therefore unfair to the students who were released to live on the beach as well. Amidst a year full of disappointment and adaptation as a result of the pandemic, Fairfield students should not be losing out on the fun for their last year of college. Being forced to live on campus in dorm-style housing during a pandemic is not the answer, especially with the unknown as to dorms closing again. If there is an option for a safer and more secure housing situation, it should be considered. The university did not even have the room to house all students comfortably this year (forced triples were created in townhouses and some were even forced off campus as juniors!). We have been looking forward to this since our first year at the school. The Class of 2022 is one of the larger class sizes at Fairfield, but it is inexcusable that time and time again, this grade is compromised when it comes to housing. Further, the current decision will absolutely affect younger students and future prospective students on choosing and staying at Fairfield for their college experience. Fairfield's breaking of this tradition will certainly create a serious loss in the appeal of the school. Alumni will undoubtedly be upset to hear this news as, again, it will undoubtedly tarnish Fairfield's reputation as a school students want to come to. Please sign this petition and let your voice be heard!