Belmont Students Forced To Leave Their Dorms Ahead Of Final Debate

The final presidential debate before the November 3 election is set for tonight (October 22) at Belmont University in Nashville. Because of the increased need of security on the campus, an estimated 600 students are being forced to leave their freshman dorms and stay elsewhere.

The affected freshmen dorms include: Wright, Maddox, Kennedy, Potter, and Hail. According to the Belmont Vision, the students in these dorms were asked to leave for 30 hours so the Secret Service could secure the campus. They will instead stay at Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center through Friday, with the university providing transportation, meals, and internet access throughout the duration of their stay.

"I am glad we are off campus," said freshman Claire Jonas. "The amount of planning and security measures Belmont has implemented is reflective of how much they care for the well-being of students and campus. Staying on campus would be difficult for things like getting food and exercises."

While some students are fine with the move, others have voiced their concerns over how the university can ensure COVID-19 safety measures.

"It seems weird that our main goal is quarantine and staying safe, but then we are just going to randomly move a bunch of people to a hotel," said freshman Eli Yancey.

Belmont students wishing to watch the debate will be able to do so with the help of the Music City Center, which will provide a 180,000-square-foot space to ensure social distancing.

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