Executive Branch of the Undergraduate Student Government Association

Sunday, February 7th, 2010 - 9:10 P.M

Dear President Daniels and Provost Minor:

We note with concern the decision to keep the university open on Monday, February 8th, 2010.  According to the Baltimore Sun list of school closing and the websites of various universities, we are currently one of very few universities in the state of Maryland that is holding classes on this date.  We are the only university in Baltimore City and County that remains open.

According to the Baltimore Sun and State Highway authorities, the roads in Baltimore City and throughout the state of Maryland remain extremely hazardous.  Many local streets are not even plowed, and Governor O'Malley has warned that "secondary roads for the most part still remain impassable."  Around the Homewood campus, most of the streets where students reside remain uncleared.  The hazardous road conditions make travel to the university difficult and dangerous for students, faculty and staff.

The Sun reports that many sidewalks remain full of snow, which will force students to walk in the street.  The Governor has noted that this presents an extreme hazard to both drivers and pedestrians.  This presents a particularly troubling threat to students who must walk to class from the surrounding area.

While we recognize the need to have the maximum number of days of class, we are troubled that the university decided to hold classes tomorrow.  Many peer institutions with the same weather and road conditions have made the decision to cancel classes.  The hazardous road conditions are projected to worsen with the formation of black ice possible.

As a result, we strongly urge the university to reconsider its decision to hold classes tomorrow.  The safety of students, staff and faculty must remain the highest priority of the university.  Accordingly, we also urge the university to review its weather emergency policy and implement clearer guidelines regarding the closure of the university.


Sincerely,

Marc Perkins

Executive President, Student Government Association

On behalf of the SGA Executive