What would happen if MSU didn't provide adequate information for students to earn a degree and obtain a respectable job?
There would be a lot of angry and undereducated students. They would not be getting what they paid for.
MSU is an equal-opportunity university - the key word being equal. Every student attending this institution should be represented and accommodated, but it seems the university is stopping short. ASMSU is out to prove just that by making its offices compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA.
The Department of Justice defines the act as prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation and telecommunications.
The public accommodations portion is the main focus here. If all students are not equally represented, this poses a major problem.
ASMSU's members passed a bill to fund up to $3,000 for ADA compatible office signs. The signs will have Braille coding and raised numbering that will be easily accessible for the visually impaired. Name slots for ASMSU's Student Services and Union offices are to be included in the sign package.
A representative for the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, in Bessey Hall, said that historically, on average, 30 to 35 students have registered for the Blindness and Visual Impairment program through the center. That means 30 to 35 students potentially need to have proper signs. Michael Hudson, the center's director, said the university generally only brings buildings to code during remodeling, reconstruction or if a program is moved.
It's a shame these changes aren't across the board. It seems as though the university is behind the times where equal opportunity is concerned.
Students or their parents dig deep in their wallets and dish out hefty tuition bucks for a decent education and facilities. Every student deserves balanced and fair treatment, regardless of disabilities. Kudos to ASMSU for showing compassion to all members of the student body. Perhaps the university will follow its lead.
