WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - The College of William & Mary has punished some students for violating COVID-19 guidelines, officials said.
They said a number of students were in violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the Residence Life contract and state law.
The 16 students were accused of exceeding group gathering size guidelines, not following rules on physical distancing, not following mask requirements and underage drinking, according to officials. The gathering was 16 people.
"Their actions have resulted in sanctions, which in some instances include removal from campus housing and/or separation from the campus community," officials said.
In a statement the university said, "Removal of any member of our university community is not a decision we take lightly. We are guided by our conduct codes, which include due process rights for every individual. Many, many members of the William & Mary community have committed months of work and planning to be able to bring students back to campus – creating an environment that maximizes the in-person experience while keeping paramount the health and safety of the university community. A successful on-campus fall semester depends on intentional acts of caring and respect for each other and for the community as a whole. And even with full compliance, the health and safety of our community will remain vulnerable. We must do all in our power to protect one another."
William & Mary students have returned to campus, but have to follow several guidelines, including wearing masks and avoiding groups of more than 10. So far, fewer than 10 students and 10 employees have tested positive since returning to campus.