some parents call for students to go home

At least 69,728.

Some fayette county parents say they want u-k students to go home and learn virtually...so their students can get offline and back in the classroom.

A new program the university announced today would crack down on students not following guidelines off campus.

Abc 36's bobbi mcswine spoke to some students who say the new program might work...but it's not fair to completely blame them.

###### uk party video it's videos like this from off-campus parties during the first football game of the season that partially led to this...a letter to the editor in the herald-leader from a fayette county parent...one of several blaming u-k for keeping their students' classrooms online.

The parent...teri neal...writes quote..."no one has to babysit college kids.

If they can't make good choices regarding the pandemic, then let them go home, learn virtually, and continue on with their partying and pandemic ignorance."

Cameron, everett: "i don't think that's a fair assessment at all because when it comes to the interaction with other people, it's pretty much confined to campus."

U-k freshmen cameron wishmeyer and everett gati say they feel for the parents...but they can't go home...they'd have a hard time learning online too so they're hopeful about a new partnership between uk and the city...that would patrol neighborhoods near campus for large student gatherings.

"i think it's the right thing to do even if it is a bummer to the rest of the college students here."

Starting friday, police will be able to break up any large parties...and students could face penalties ranging from a warning up to getting kicked out of school.

Cameron, everett: "it has to be a group mentality.

I think that if everyone takes a step back this semester you can prevent more cases and it'll be better for the whole school."

But the whole school doesn't agree.

U-k law student shawn harkins says the new program is too much.

No cg: "i personally think it's a bit of an overreach.

Butted "you may force those parties and everything else underground."

He says sure, some students are being irresponsible...but this could push them out of town...maybe even to drive back drunk.

Shaw harkins: "if you take the view that people are going to go do it regardless, just encourage people to do it safely."

But he's not just a u-k student...he's also the parent of a kindergartner...wh om he chose to send to private school...so she could learn in- person...a choice not all fayette county parents have.

In lexington, bobbi mcswine, abc 36 news.

### also to note...u-k reports it's only responsible for 5 point 5 percent of coronavirus spread outside of campus.

Data that has several parents upset...saying fayette county public schools is using u-k as a scapegoat...instead of coming up with a re-opening plan.

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