@parentologist I looked up a few deferral policies online. They all had criteria to allow for a deferral. You can’t just say that you want one. The threat of classes being online wouldn’t satisfy any of them. Ohio State explicitly had a COVID-19 item. It was for hardships caused by it. That would most likely be significant loss of income. Most of not all also required you to apply by May 1st.
Yes the can. Most are written so vague and leave the determination of acceptable reasons up to the school. What are you going to do if they do “change”? Sue them? Now you are on a multi year gap year.