A horde of students meet on Sixth Street, joining the crowd as they march toward the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center parking lot, shouting along the way. The crowd surrounds a large blazing fire, University of Idaho flags waving in the air as sparks fly up and disappear in the night sky. The marching band blares the Vandal Fight Song, the crowd sings along swelling with Vandal pride.
It’s Homecoming Week at UI, a time we would normally be painting our faces and cheering along as a parade of Vandals takes over downtown Moscow. Unfortunately, this year the campus community will not be able to participate in our typical homecoming events the way we normally would.
With the recent outbreak of COVID-19 on campus, Homecoming events have been moved to virtual platforms, something not uncommon during the era we live in. While it is sad we cannot have our typical Homecoming experience this semester, we are grateful for the difficult decision that was made and the thoughts behind it.
Just last week, UI President C. Scott Green announced eight Greek chapters on campus were under quarantine. All students are being retested for COVID-19. Latah County is also seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases.
Even though the outbreak at UI is currently believed to be mostly within the Greek life community, Homecoming traditions are largely marketed toward this community. Chapters compete in various events and arrive in groups to show their school pride. With the current outlook of COVID-19, especially in the Greek community, it’s probably best we stay away from this for the time being.
We won’t get to participate in Serpentine or the bonfire this fall, but a virtual Homecoming Week doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Community members can still spread their Vandal pride and participate in Homecoming traditions, it will just be different than normal.
The campus community needs this time to recuperate, to get ourselves back on track and limit the spread of COVID-19. The Homecoming Committee and the Office of Alumni Relations have done what they can to protect the community while still providing school spirit where they can. It’s our job now, as students, faculty, staff and community members to be safe in our own Homecoming traditions.
This year has taken a lot from everyone, and while it sucks to add our Homecoming traditions to that list, it’s a decision that had to be made. It may not be as fun, it may not be the same, but it’s time we do our part to keep our community safe.
-Editorial Board