DEKALB, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Northern Illinois University faculty members rallied on campus days ahead of the start of classes demanding that the administration agree more COVID-19 safety precautions.
NIU is requiring vaccinations and masks indoors regardless of vaccination status, but faculty members want more. Classes begin Aug. 23.
"We're here to ensure the safety of our students. We're here to ensure the safety of the community and our faculty as well," NIU Professor Keith Nyquist sold CBS 23 in Rockford. “The single most important issue right now is about giving faculty members the opportunity to change modality to remote should there be a severe outbreak."
Faculty members and the administration are in talks about safety plans.
Professors Reva Freeman and Kerry Ferris were also among those picketing outside the administration offices.
"We wanted them to see that a lot of people really support this idea," Freeman said.
Ferris, added, "It's also great to know that they are willing to stand up for what they want."
The university issued a statement saying NIU's priority is to protect the health and well-being of its students, faculty and staff.
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