Officials say 13 Montclair State University students have been suspended after violating the university’s rules for not going to parties and social distancing.

The students have been suspended from on-campus housing, but not suspended from the university. They still have to participate in class, and quarantine for two weeks before returning.

 

According to university officials, the students went to an off-campus party without masks or social distancing. Part of the rules of living on campus is students have to follow the university's guidelines to help flatten the coronavirus spread, which includes mandatory mask wearing, a daily online self-assessment, and following rules for social gatherings. There were photographs to prove the students attended the party. 

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"There are signs and posters everywhere on campus,” says Dr. Karen L. Pennington, vice president of student development and campus life. “We've reinforced it in trainings. We reinforce it every time we see a student. What are you doing? Where is your mask? Make sure you wear it properly. All of those things, and social distancing. Just keep reinforcing.”

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The majority of the students were freshmen, and some have since apologized. University leaders say if the students break the rules again, they could face more punishments.