Virginia is in a state of emergency. JMU, CNU, ODU, UVA, VT, Longwood, and many more schools have decided to take action by limiting the spread of the virus through cancelling large social and educational gatherings. These schools have all extended their spring breaks and moved classes online for some period of time. LU has moved Convocation online however Jerry is insisting that class will probably continue as normal and that he "anticipates no major changes". Classes, however, are still large gatherings that can speed the spread of the Corona virus. This petition was made to call attention to the seriousness of this virus. This is not a political issue, it is a global health pandemic that can kill populations that have compromised immune systems or other health problems. If we move classes online, we can slow the spread of the virus, and our hospitals will be able to provide adequate care and ventilators for those in the pneumonia stage of the virus.

Liberty University is extremely adept at creating online classes, as 94,000+ students are enrolled in their online program. We should be taking action like the other major schools in Virginia and transition to online classes for a period of time until it is safe to return to campus.