Highlands and Islands Students’ Association calls for unfair blaming of students to stop

Students in Scotland are being told not to go to pubs, parties or restaurants this weekend in a bid to stem a spate of coronavirus outbreaks, after being encouraged to return to campus and accommodation by the Scottish Government.

HISA believes that the current escalation of cases in Scotland was inevitable given the decisions made across the sector, and stands with NUS in that the recent announcement unfairly blames students for the spread of coronavirus.

And it says the step of applying different rules to students over and above the rest of the adult population is unjustified.

HISA President Florence Jansen said: “Many of our students would not have returned to their accommodation if they had not been encouraged to do so by the Government, and especially if they thought that they would not be allowed to return home as a result.

“Despite this, our students across the University of the Highlands and Islands are doing their very best given the current circumstances, and their welfare is our main priority as always.

“What has to be remembered, is that students are just normal people. They need to follow the guidance like everyone else and are not to blame for the escalation of cases across the country. The Scottish Government applying different regulations to students over and above the rest of the adult population is deeply concerning, and the additional guidance is only contributing to confusion over the guidelines.

“We need to protect our students and communities now more than ever. Many rely on work in the hospitality industry for their income, and the ongoing challenges of COVID are taking a major toll on students’ mental health and wellbeing. In line with NUS, HISA is calling for targeted support for students who are isolating and increased mental health support for those in need. If blame is being apportioned it should be to those that are putting economics ahead of public health.”