Resolution 22-14: EQUITY IN FACILITY ACCESSIBILITY

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Number	22-14
Description	Adequate accessibility measures for the purpose of equal opportunity for academic success and safety be implemented throughout all buildings on campus, as this is what students are paying for, including, but not limited to, ramps, wheelchair lifts, multiple entrances, or the implementation of microphone systems in lecture halls.
Authored by	Emilio Infante Hernandez Yaseen Tasnif
Sponsored by	Emilio Infante Hernandez Yaseen Tasnif
Date Submitted	Thursday, September 15, 2022
Date Considered	Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Committee	Student Affairs
Result	n/a
Remarks	Killed in Committee
Whereas	Mobility devices shall henceforth be defined as a device that functions for the purpose of increasing mobility for a disabled or injured individual, mainly, but not limited to, wheelchairs and electric mobility vehicles, and;
Whereas	Upon observation by students at the University of Texas at Arlington, lecture rooms and common areas across the entire campus of UTA do not have the appropriate resources, space, or safety measures for users of mobility devices, especially wheelchairs, and;
Whereas	It is strongly encouraged during required UNIV courses to sit at the front of the classrooms, as it allows the student to retain information more efficiently, be attentive and engaged, and overall have the advantage of academic success, yet it is a challenge for users of mobility devices to do so, and;
Whereas	Safety measures heavily lack for mobility device users in residence halls, lecture halls, and many other buildings across campus, leaving them vulnerable in the case of an emergency that requires immediate evacuation, and;
Whereas	The University of Texas at Arlington prides itself on its nationally recognized Wheelchair Basketball Team but will continue to leave other students disadvantaged or vulnerable, and;
Whereas	Users of mobility devices should not have to speak out against this issue, given that it should never have been an issue; and
Be It Further Resolved That	Adequate accessibility measures for the purpose of equal opportunity for academic success and safety be implemented throughout all buildings on campus, as this is what students are paying for, including, but not limited to, ramps, wheelchair lifts, multiple entrances, or the implementation of microphone systems in lecture halls.