Off-campus Bathroom Density

WHEREAS RPI has announced policies and guidelines for the Fall return to campus to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic;

WHEREAS the 51st Student Senate recognizes how vital precautions are to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep the members of the Rensselaer community safe;

WHEREAS the off-campus housing bathroom density policy, announced on July 2nd, limits off-campus residential bathroom density to no more than 2 students per bathroom;

WHEREAS this policy is without scientific merit and has no basis in any recommendations from relevant public health authorities such as the CDC and WHO; 

WHEREAS this policy forces students to choose to sign onto another lease on top of the existing one or forgo campus access, which significantly diminishes the value of the Rensselaer experience; 

WHEREAS this policy disproportionately affects low-income students who cannot justify spending more money on new leases; 

WHEREAS the RPI Parents Association's petition condemning the 2:1 bathroom policy garnered over 1000 signatures from parents and students; and

WHEREAS the fear of judicial action if caught living in a non-conforming residence encourages students to not report their symptoms to RPI;  

The Rensselaer Union 51st Student Senate hereby RESOLVES:

1. To disapprove of the current off-campus bathroom density policy,

2. To implore the RPI administration to  amend this policy, in favor of emphasizing other safety protocols such as social distancing, frequent cleaning, and wearing masks, and

3. To urge the RPI administration to have faith in the students’ self-commitment to health and safety in the face of a pandemic.