The University of Idaho College of Law Boise Campus has long been a place where community matters. For many students, that sense of belonging includes our professors and their dogs—especially beloved campus regulars like Hank, Roxy, Peter, and Stewie. These dogs are not distractions; they bring comfort, connection, and humanity to our learning environment. This sudden enforcement of a previously lenient policy overlooks student voices and campus culture. 

Take Roxy, for example. Roxy is a well-behaved adult rescue dog who regularly accompanies Professor Gross in her office. She has been warmly received by students and colleagues alike, happily accepting belly rubs and affection from visitors. To be considerate of those with allergies or discomfort around animals, Roxy has a kennel in the office, and Professor Gross always offers to place her there when someone visits. To date, no visitor has ever requested that Roxy be kenneled.

We respectfully call on the University to reconsider this approach and to work collaboratively with students and faculty to preserve what makes the UI Boise campus unique. Our request is modest and balanced: maintain the restriction on dogs belonging to the general public in common public spaces such as the library, while allowing professors to continue bringing their well-behaved dogs into their private offices on the third floor.

This compromise honors accessibility and comfort concerns while preserving the sense of community that defines our campus.