I am a concerned member of the Lake Jackson, TX, community, and I am writing to share an imminent crisis that many student parents will soon face. Our local Brazosport College childcare center (Bill & Julia May Children Center), a lifeline for many student parents, is being threatened with closure. The center has provided students with an affordable means to care for their children, while pursuing their academic goals. Despite the center's critical role in facilitating student parents’ academic success, the college is deciding to close it due to supposed lack of patronage. However, numerous students remain uninformed about the existence of this beneficial service.

This childcare center does not only offer discounted childcare for college students, but it is also a place of employment for caregiving staff who have dedicated a decade of their life to serving student parents. The sudden announcement of closure threatens these dedicated caregivers with impending unemployment.

We believe the college should enforce better communication with its students about the center, rather than cutting it off as a "liability." Transparency can stimulate higher patronage, which in turn would justify the existence of the childcare center.

We are appealing to all stakeholders – students, parents, community members, and college management – to reconsider the decision to close down this center. Every signature on this petition is a voice advocating for affordable childcare and the opportunity for parents to continue their education. Please join us in saving our local college childcare center. Sign the petition today.