Some University of Missouri students say they’re concerned about lack of social distancing in classes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Some students are raising concerns after attending in-person classes at the University of Missouri where they say social distancing was not happening.

Johnpaul Bolet, a senior at MU, said he went to a class on Tuesday only to be told to leave after the class had hit capacity. The instructor sent an email shortly before class started asking for students to RSVP if they will attend class, but Bolet said he didn't see it.

The classroom was overcrowded when Bolet arrived. As more students showed up, Bolet was one of those asked to leave because of the crowding, he said.

Bolet said even in the short time he was in the class, he felt uncomfortable having to walk by and be in close contact with other students.

The University of Missouri's plan to socially distance in classrooms includes requiring students to wear masks, moving many classes to larger areas where these guidelines can be met and capping smaller classes to a lower number of students.

ABC 17 News is aware of another instance in which one class met the cap, and instead of turning students away, the instructor asked them to sit on the floor.

MU spokesman Christian Basi said he was not aware of any complaints from students about overcrowded classes.

Basi went on to say that just because he hasn't seen any complaints, doesn't mean that they haven't happened, just that they may still need to make their way through the proper channels.

The Spokesman talked about vigilance from all levels at the University, and said that in order for this plan to work, cooperation is needed from students and staff alike.

The University of Missouri's full renewal plan can be viewed on their website.

Check back for updates to this developing story or watch ABC 17 News at 5 and 6.