The University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) holds a dear place in my heart, as I'm sure it does for many of you. However, an issue has been weighing on my conscience that I believe needs addressing. As someone affected by this, it's an accessibility issue that affects people with disabilities, and those in less fortunate financial situations.

There are currently no chairs provided in the classrooms for Architecture and Interior Design students. Many of us are impeded from gaining the full educational experience we are entitled to, due to this lack of necessary and basic accommodations. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to learn in a comfortable and accessible environment. 

According to National Center for Education Statistics (2019), the DAAP undergrad enrollment is around 2,262. Despite this, the lack of chairs forces students to stand in long hour classes, restricts people with physical disabilities and creates barriers for lower-income students who cannot afford alternative seating.

Our call is simple - we need the University of Cincinnati's DAAP to provide chairs for all students in every one of its classrooms. Every student deserves the right to a comfortable learning environment. If universities in the same league, such as the College of Design at the University of Kentucky, can ensure adequate seating (University Comparison Report, 2020), there is no reason we cannot achieve the same at DAAP.

We ask for your support in signing this petition in order to voice our concerns and to mandate the provision of chairs for all students in DAAP classrooms. We believe change is possible, but we need your help to make it happen. Please sign this petition.