University of Alabama to Allow Students Option of Two Weeks of Virtual Classes Following Title Celebration

Several thousand people crowded The Strip, causing concerns of the spread of COVID-19

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — University of Alabama announced on Tuesday afternoon that the school will give students the option to attend classes virtually for the first two weeks of the semester following a wild Monday night in Tuscaloosa.

Classes were originally scheduled to resume in-person on Wednesday.

"In cooperation with the City of Tuscaloosa and area law enforcement agencies, over the last several days The University of Alabama worked to minimize risk before, during and after last night’s national championship football game," a tweet from the university's account reads.

"As a result of recent events, we are allowing faculty to be flexible for the next two weeks with the option to temporarily hold classes remotely. Students have the option to attend in-person activities remotely as well. Staff will continue with adjusted flexible scheduling."

Students and football fans flooded the off-campus area known as 'The Strip' after the Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24 on Monday night, resulting in Tuscaloosa Police being called to disperse the crowd.

The scene in Tuscaloosa attracted much attention on a national scale, raising concerns of the spread of COVID-19. While some were spotted wearing masks in the throngs of people, many more appeared to be maskless.

With hospitals in the state of Alabama already struggling to handle the surge of coronavirus patients, the concerns of Monday night potentially turning into a super-speader event influenced the UA administration to make the decision.

In addition to the virtual learning option, UA also announced that it has partnered with Tuscaloosa Police in order to effectively patrol off campus areas — including the Strip — and enforce mask-wearing and social distancing policies.

"In addition to warnings and admonitions about the need for masks, social distancing and responsible behavior, the University added multiple officers to patrol areas around campus, including The Strip," another tweet from the UA account reads.

"While UA classroom transmission is almost nonexistent, we understand the concerns caused by recent events. All health and safety rules remain in effect, including mandatory distancing, masks and other protocols."

This story will be updated as more information is received.