In light of the recent decline in food quality, availability, and inclusivity, we the students are seeking compensation in the form of refunds in the amount paid for KSU's required meal plans. 

Kent State University has long prided themselves on inclusivity on campus and their dining services are no different. According to the Kent Dining Services website, incoming students could expect "culinary expertise, fresh ingredients, and healthy dining options." They also boast offering "20+ on campus dining locations", "a wide array of vegan and vegetarian options at all dining locations" and are even listed by PETA as a top college for vegan options. 

This is the image that was painted by the university when thousands of incoming freshman and sophomore students paid for the required meal plans, which are $2356 at their cheapest. We the students find the quality of food to fail to meet our expectations by a long shot, and due to the amount we were forced to spend on a meal plan, most of us are unable to supplement our diet with outside food. Further, there have been multiple incidents of students falling ill due to the quality of the food provided. Digestive issues resulting from dining hall food is a shared experience among students regardless of their diet. Disturbingly, undercooked chicken has been documented by photo which is beyond unacceptable, not to mention a severe health hazard with detrimental repercussions.

This issue is particularly relevant to those with dietary restrictions. We were promised healthy, diverse, options that fit our needs, but are instead forced to eat bland and unchanging meals all day every day-and that is only if we are lucky enough to have any choices at all, seeing as how there have been multiple meal periods with no gluten free or vegan options at all due to station closures. In some instances, even the salad bar has not fit the needs of lactose intolerant students due to a lack of dressing options. 

The university has cited staffing problems, as well as the adjustments required due to the recent withdrawal from their partnership with Aramark as explanations for the underwhelming service. As community members, we are aware of the labor shortage and are beyond grateful for the employees who work day in and day out to provide for us regardless, particularly for the low wages the university is paying, which is unacceptable in of itself. As such, this is an issue to be taken up with higher levels of administration. 

To conclude, we the students have paid for a dining experience we are simply not receiving. It only adds insult to the wound to see that the university seemingly has enough funds for frivolous things such as fireworks and concerts, but are unable to provide students with the nutrition we paid for. Consequently, we seek compensation from President Todd Diacon and the rest of the upper administration for the large sum of money that we paid for a standard that has not been upheld.