Simmons University is founded on inclusion and strives to provide a safe environment for all students, alumni, guests, staff, and faculty. However, the well-being and safety of all students with dietary restrictions will be negatively affected with the arrival of the Living-and-Learning Center (commonly abbreviated as LLC).  As credible sources note that only two communal kitchens will be included in this upcoming facility, which increases the safety and health risk to these students. The main difference between the current residential campus to its successor is how the current campus provides over 15 communal kitchens. With limiting the amount of available kitchens expected to be built within the LLC, cross-contamination will increase and even remain ever so inevitable.

      For those previously unaware, cross-contamination is small portions of an allergen (dairy, gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, etc), that may exist on the surface of a kitchen counter, toaster, frying pan, or cooking utensils, etc. If a student with a medical dietary restriction comes in contact with something that has been cross-contaminated, they may experience a range of irreversible organ damage, allergy symptoms, or even anaphylaxis. The sensitivity to cross-contamination depends on the individual. Although, limiting to two kitchens will increase the level of cross-contamination, regardless of the kitchen’s size.

      Students with dietary restrictions are an essential population of the general Simmons community. Each and every student with an allergy, intolerance, and/or autoimmune disorder brings light, creativity, leadership, and strength. Without a safe environment, free of the common allergens, their light and health are greatly threatened. If no solution in regards to the concern about the LLC is enacted, Simmons University may potentially face financial consequences, as other institutions have received lawsuits from students in a similar situation. There is, most alarmingly, the unfortunate possibility of a student suffering a fatal reaction (anaphylaxis). To ensure that the health of these students are protected and maintained, a separate kitchen must be founded. 

    We understand that upon writing this petition, that the Living-and-Learning Center is near its expected construction completion date. Therefore, we acknowledge that a creation of a brand new kitchen within this new facility is quite slim to none in chances. However, we propose that a pre-existing space on the academic campus be rebuilt or edited to serve as this allergen-free kitchen.

     Additionally, we do acknowledge the current existence of the True Balance stations at Simmons, located both in Bartol Hall and at the Fens Cafe. However, several students with medical dietary restrictions noted how these meals are unsafe for them, noting the cross contamination factor. Furthermore, these stations claim to be allergen-friendly, which is known to be unsafe for students with dietary restrictions, especially those with severe sensitivity. From credible sources, a new station will be included in the LLC’s dining facility, but from students' previous experiences, we expect cross-contamination to remain prominent in this station. Students have additionally requested to meet the director of dining facilities yet note the lack of knowledge of cross contamination and its impact from such said director. Which further adds onto the need of a separate, safe kitchen for students with dietary restrictions. Moreover, there are students both current and now alumni, who are medically exempt from the meal plan, and may require(d) the need to prepare their own meals. As in, they are quite dependent, if they are especially a residential student, on the dormitory kitchens. 

Our demands are:

  - A separate kitchen be created with the intent on ensuring all common allergens are prevented from entering. This kitchen can be created from a preexisting kitchenette or area within the academic campus.

 - Move forward to request a meeting with Residence Life administration to discuss how to professionally educate Resident Advisors (RAs) and residents about allergens. We believe that education is vital to prevent allergic/intolerance/auto immune reactions.

- Speak with the Living-and-Learning Center building committee about addressing these concerns, and what steps can be done with the dining facility's allergen station. 

      We sincerely and kindly request that you offer your support to these students, so that they may receive proper, safe nutrition before and after classes. Your support ensures and notifies that students with dietary restrictions matter at Simmons, and so does their health. We formally and sincerely thank you on the behalf of these students.