March 11, 2008
Negligent maintenance hurts disabled students
College is a hectic time for anyone. Between homework and exams, it’s important to attend class regularly so that we don’t fall behind. Upper-division classes can be difficult, and lectures are an invaluable asset to understanding the material.
These facts were on my mind this morning as I sat in the library instead of my class, since the elevator in the Social Sciences Building was not working (again). I’m a disabled student here at the University, and like any other student, it is my responsibility to make every reasonable effort to attend lecture. However, the maintenance of the facilities is not my responsibility.
I wouldn’t complain if this was the only incident, but I’ve had repeated problems with other elevators as well. I find it rather frustrating the University can talk about spending money on carbon credits and establishing a sustainability office, but I have to reschedule exams because I couldn’t get to class or the professor’s office.
It’s not easy being disabled, and there are certain difficulties that cannot be avoided, but to me this just seems like negligence. I would hope that an institution that prides itself on diversity and giving everybody a chance could see fit to deal with this issue.
– Brandon Friede,
junior, economics
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Comments
I feel the frustration and heartache Brandon shares in this story and it’s my professional opinion that the University of Montana needs to wake up and show the same respect to students with disabilities that they extend to other students. Students with disabilities already live with stereotypes and negligence by institutions - what more can be done to them? Students with disabilities shares the hardships that minorities endure on a daily basis (another form of racism). My hat is off to Brandon Friede and maybe someone there should educate the University of Montana and President Dennison that there is federal legislation called the Americans with Disabilities Act that if fallen back on may cause some problems for the U of M. The ADA was passed in 1990 - what’s keeping Mr. Dennison and the U of M from coming into the 21 Century?
It’s my hope and prayer that Brandon Friede and other students with disabilities don’t give up but maintain your efforts to earn a good, quality education. God bless you for speaking up.
Posted by Max Bear on 03/20/2008 at 9:56 am
