To the Carolina Community, 

We, as students of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, have come together with the Disability Acceptance Committee and Tar Heels at the Table to advance equity for the disabled community at our University. UNC-Chapel Hill has a long and proud history of academic success and excellence. However, this history of excellence is marred by the exclusion of members of the Carolina community from spaces and traditions. This is glaringly exhibited when we consider the steps that obstruct people with disabilities from accessing a quintessential UNC tradition: drinking from the Old Well.

Without a ramp leading up to the Old Well, UNC allows the emblem of our University to remain a representation of the lack of access not only to UNC’s campus, but also to higher education as a whole. This three-step barrier is a concrete and symbolic indication that disabled students, faculty, and community members are not accommodated and valued at this University. The removal of the temporary ramp installed in the Fall of 2020 communicates that the University is unwilling to put in the bare minimum effort toward equity. As a reminder, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act states that every public school must provide education to all students with or without disabilities in an environment that supports their needs. The lack of accessibility to the Old Well is in clear violation of this, and it must be amended. 

As a nationally recognized institution, the symbol of UNC should not represent disparity and discrimination; it should serve as an example of inclusive education for all. The equitable and just solution to this problem is apparent: build a permanent ramp that allows anyone and everyone to approach the Old Well. 

A permanent ramp would demonstrate that the disabled community will always have a place at UNC, exemplifying Carolina’s ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion for all. We, as students and members of the Carolina Community, call upon those in charge to accommodate and affirm past, present, and future disabled students at this University.

We call upon all members of the Carolina community to sign this petition, urging UNC Administration to welcome all Tar Heels at our University by installing a permanent ramp at the Old Well. 

Sincerely, 

Disability Acceptance Committee

Tar Heels at the Table