Ohio University investigating gathering inside isolation residence hall

On Friday, Oct. 16 at 11:45 p.m. an Ohio University Housing and Residence Life staff member entered Luchs Hall, which is currently isolation housing for COVID positive students, to assist a student who was locked out of their room. Upon entering, the staff member discovered approximately 30 individuals congregating in a common space, violating University directives for facial coverings and social distancing, as well as consuming alcoholic beverages.

On Saturday, Oct. 17, University leadership was notified of the situation and called upon all 48 residents of Luchs Hall to attend a mandatory outdoor meeting with representatives from the President’s office, the Dean of Students’ office, and Community Standards and Student Responsibility. Meetings were held with permission from the Athens City/County Health Department and were conducted in groups of approximately 15 people per session. At the meeting, students were required to wear a facial covering and were seated 6 feet apart.

University representatives notified Luchs Hall residents that if there is reason to believe they attended the Oct. 16 party, they could be found in violation of the student code of conduct, as these actions could be considered a violation of public health orders, the University’s Presidential Health Directives and Interim Policy 44.102.

The University will thoroughly investigate this matter, and all individuals found to be in violation of the public health orders and University policy are subject to both criminal and/or University judicial proceedings.

By failing to comply with public health orders and University policy, these residents put others at risk, including the staff member who entered Luchs Hall to assist a resident, the Culinary Services staff who deliver their meals, and the custodial staff that service Luchs Hall. Ohio University’s obligation is to the safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff, and we take this matter very seriously.