(WWJ) The University of Michigan is canceling plans to hold a previously scheduled debate between President Donald Trump and challenger Joe Biden over safety fears amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile according to the Associated Press, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer "would think very seriously about" trying to block Trump from hosting a rally in Michigan if he wanted to. That comes after a rally in Tulsa, much trumpeted by the president, where participants did not wear masks or social distance.
"We know that congregating without masks, especially at an indoor facility, is the worst thing to do in the midst of a global pandemic," Whitmer said in an interview before the Oklahoma event, conceding that she wasn't aware of the specific legal tools she had available to block a prospective Trump rally. "I just know we have limitations on the number of people that can gather and that we're taking this seriously."
Current Michigan regulations ban indoor gatherings of more than 50 people, or outdoor gatherings of more than 250 people, according to an executive order signed by Whitmer earlier this month.
In that atmosphere, the University of Michigan confirmed Tuesday their intention to cancel their Oct. 15 debate, a much-anticipated event that would have thrust Ann Arbor into the spotlight. It was one of three debates that Biden agreed to while Trump continues to push for four.
The New York Times is reporting the U-M debate will move to Miami.
In making the announcement, President Mark Schlissel says hosting a presidential debate is "a tremendous opportunity for our university community to contribute to one of the most important features of our democracy — the open exchange of ideas — while setting an example of civic engagement and shining a light on the outstanding academic strengths of our institution."
But he said, "Given the scale and complexity of the work we are undertaking to help assure a safe and healthy fall for our students, faculty and staff and limited visitors — and in consideration of the public health guidelines in our state as well as advice from our own experts — we feel it is not feasible for us to safely host the presidential debate as planned."
The other presidential debates will take place Sept 29 at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, and Oct. 22 at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. The University of Utah in Salt Lake City will host a vice presidential debate Oct. 7.
U of M did agree to return to in-person classes this fall, saying they would be conducted in a safety-conscious way that includes remote learning options.
"We will protect our students, faculty and staff with a broad array of research-based public health measures and tools," Schlissel said in making the announcement of U-M's plans for fall.
