I am writing in response to your editorial concerning campus accessibility projects to help the disabled and the possible shutdown of classes as a result. Once again, an uninformed editor drags the Star’s reputation through the mud, due to a lack of research, knowledge of the facts and the wonderful ability to stereotype.

The reading audience should know a few facts. For instance, the money for accessibility projects comes from a fund separate from the one used to fund classes. Also, many things can be done to make the campus more accessible to many different persons with varying disabilities, most of which do not cost a great deal of money. Some things that are being done include widening bathroom stalls, installing hand rails, lowering paper towel or hand drying machines, just to name a few.

I also find it very distressing to think that a newspaper aimed at college students trying to attain a high level of education would make remarks suggesting that the cost might be so great that we should consider not attempting to help these students in need. This kind of attitude perpetuated by the editor is one I would have expected twenty years ago. When the persons with disabilities are finally emerging as a leading group in our society, the Star, by misinforming its readers, is preventing the future teachers, lawyers, and employers of our lifetime from crossing the boundary from ignorance to educated.

Obviously money is scarce; however, things can be and are being done as permitted. Please do not think that millions of dollars must be spent to achieve some degree of accessibility. Furthermore, if such issues are handled more “matter of factly,” maybe people will think of disabled people when they design buildings and floor plans.

George Abbott

Senior

Finance and Economics