University of Alabama sanctions over 600 students for violating COVID-19 regulations

More than 600 students at the University of Alabama and multiple student organizations have received university sanctions for breaking COVID-19 protocol at the school. 

The school has issued 639 “individual student sanctions” related to violations of the school’s COVID-19 guidelines as of Sept. 8. Of those cases, 33 students have been issued “interim measures, effectively suspending them from campus while their conduct cases proceed through due process,” the school said in a statement to The Hill.

“Student suspensions could range in length depending on the severity of the conduct. Any speculation about refunds for these students is premature,” the statement said. 

Three student organizations have also received sanctions, and another group is pending suspension. The school did not state what specific incidents led to the sanctions. 

The Tuscaloosa school updated its return to campus guidelines last month to include language on enforcing rules like using masks and face coverings, social distancing, restricting large groups and more amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

People and groups that violate the rules will face “stringent sanctions and discipline,” according to the guidelines.

The requirements state that no more than 50 people can attend indoor events and no more than 100 people can attend outdoor ones. All meetings and events on the campus must be registered through the school as well.

The school has documented more than 1,800 COVID-19 cases among students since Aug. 19, according to the university dashboard.

The move comes as colleges and universities across the country have issued punishments and suspensions for students flouting COVID-19 guidelines.

Ohio State University issued more than 225 interim suspensions for off-campus gatherings between Aug. 19 and Aug. 23, AL.com reported.