Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wants all colleges online only for rest of semester
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced in a press conference that his office is recommending virtual learning for the rest of the spring semester.
Like dozens of schools across the country, Florida colleges and universities began to transition to online learning because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Citing four confirmed coronavirus cases at the University of Florida and the need to practice social distancing, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has recommended all Florida universities move to “remote learning” for the rest of the spring semester.
DeSantis made the announcement in a press conference and explained the reasons for the decision.
“The goal of that is that the students not stay congregated on campus but actually return home,” DeSantis said. “We think that that would be safer for everybody. And we think that the universities are equipped to be able to handle the remote learning.”
[RELATED: Colleges nationwide respond to coronavirus by canceling in-person classes]
DeSantis also commented on spring break gatherings and added that the state would prohibit groups consisting of more than ten people on public beaches.
According to the Florida State University System, all universities will “make plans to transition to remote instruction.”
[RELATED: Colleges cancel commencement ceremonies amid coronavirus concerns]
Other governors have taken similar actions to combat the coronavirus epidemic. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster also recently announced a statewide school closure.
The calls from McMaster and DeSantis come as more than 125 colleges and universities around the country have announced they will hold online-only classes at least temporarily. Many have already announced they will be online only for the rest of the spring semester.
An updated list of colleges that have moved online can be found here. If you know of other colleges that have made the move to online learning, let us know at contact@campusreform.org.
Campus Reform reached out to DeSantis for comment, but received no response in time for publication.
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