AKRON, Ohio — The University of Akron is preparing to welcome its students back to in-person learning on its main campus just days after the Jayland Walker grand jury decision
In an announcement on Wednesday, UA says its main campus will resume in-person classes on Thursday. The exception being for evening classes that start at 6 p.m. or later in the Polsky Building and the College of Business. Those classes will remain remote through the end of the week as both buildings will close at 6 p.m. and swipe access will be disabled.
"Campus will be open and operational. All employees scheduled to work on campus on Thursday and Friday, April 20 and 21, should do so," the university added in its announcement.
The university says organizers of on-campus events "can use their discretion as to whether to continue to hold their event." However, evening events in both the Polsky Building and the College of Business are canceled through Friday. UA adds that it "will continue to monitor events in the city and will communicate any additional changes to campus operations as needed."
Nearly 10 months after the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker by Akron police, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced on Monday that a grand jury decided that no state criminal charges will be filed against the eight officers.
Jurors issued a "no bill" decision, with Yost stating they felt the officers' use of deadly force against Walker was justified by state law. "There is no doubt that Jayland Walker did indeed shoot at police officers," Yost added.
In anticipation of the Walker decision, the University of Akron announced last Friday that it would be closing the Polsky Building and the College of Business to in-person learning. After the grand jury decision was announced, UA shifted to full remote learning, while Akron Public Schools closed on Tuesday. APS resumed classes at most of its buildings on Wednesday.
