By: Jackie Contreras, William dela Cruz, Sarah Klieves
San Jose State University closed campus today and Friday because of the poor air quality caused by the Camp Fire.
University officials sent an email at approximately 11 p.m. on Wednesday to students and faculty with the news.
The email read, “San Jose State University’s campus will be closed Thursday, Nov. 15 and Friday, Nov. 16 due to unhealthy air quality levels in the Bay Area caused by wildfires throughout the state.” The health and well being of students, faculty and staff are of utmost importance to us.”
As of press time at 12:19 a.m. on Thursday, San Jose’s air quality reached 189 on the Air Quality Index, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Now website. The index number is considered unhealthy.
Despite the university being closed because of the air quality, undeclared sophomore April Magbual said she would still rather attend class.
“I still care enough to come, even if the air quality is bad,” she said. “We’re going to be inside not outside, so it doesn’t really matter.”
Community colleges in the surrounding area have not officially stated whether their campuses would close for the remainder of the week.
As of press time, only the San Mateo County Community College District – which includes Cañada College, College of San Mateo and Skyline College – will close its campus until Monday, according to an email sent by Skyline College.
Other community colleges in the surrounding area, such as Evergreen Valley College and De Anza Community College, had not officially stated whether their campuses would be closed Thursday or Friday.
According to its websites, California State University, East Bay and San Francisco State University will close campus for the remainder of the week.
As of press time, only the San Mateo County Community College District – which includes Cañada College, College of San Mateo and Skyline College – will close its campus until Monday, according to an email sent by Skyline College.
Other community colleges in the surrounding area, such as Evergreen Valley College and De Anza Community College, had not officially stated whether their campuses would be closed Thursday or Friday.
According to its websites, California State University, East Bay and San Francisco State University will close campus for the remainder of the week.
