Riot police had to break up a student gathering after the University of Dayton canceled classes over fears of the coronavirus.
The school announced Tuesday that in-person classes would be suspended after the school started “closely monitoring COVID-19.” The university planned on beginning remote instruction after spring break.
Following the announcement, hundreds of students held a gathering on a campus street before police showed up. Reports from the event indicated that the riot police used tear gas against the students.
UD housing will close at 6 pm March 11. If you are approved for an extended stay or housing over spring break, you are permitted to stay. Students should take any items necessary to continue their education from home as well as other essential items in case time away is extended.
— University of Dayton (@univofdayton) March 10, 2020
“We have video of police officers shooting what appears to be non-lethal weapons at students,” Flyer News, a student-run publication at the college, tweeted. Grant Kelly, a current student, posted a video of the crowd with the caption: “Tear gas can’t stop us. Go Flyers.”
We have video of police officers shooting what appears to be non-lethal weapons at students. pic.twitter.com/kgSasTUtC6
— Flyer News (@FlyerNews) March 11, 2020
Tear gas can’t stop us. Go Flyers. pic.twitter.com/WZz6z4Olci
— Grant Kelly (@GrantKelly07) March 11, 2020
The crowd was eventually dispersed at 2:15 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
