I'm a single mother and a senior at Austin Peay State University (APSU). Despite working tirelessly to provide for my children and complete my education, the lack of access to student housing has become a significant barrier that I am struggling to overcome. As a single parent, affordable and convenient housing is not just a preference — it is a necessity.

Currently, APSU’s housing policies do not include provisions for students like me, who juggle the responsibilities of parenting and education. This lack not only affects my ability to secure stable accommodation but also impacts my academic performance and mental health. Without access to suitable campus housing, I spend hours struggling, which takes away precious time that could be devoted to studying or being with my child.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, around 22% of postsecondary students are parents, with a significant portion being single parents. Despite this, universities, including APSU, have not updated their policies to reflect this changing demographic. Failing to cater to single-parent students is a significant oversight that predominantly affects female students, as women represent about 71% of all student parents.

Providing equal housing access to single parents at APSU is not only a matter of fairness, but it is crucial for building a supportive and inclusive campus environment. The benefits are clear: enabling student parents to live on campus will likely improve retention rates and academic performance, as housing stability is directly linked to education outcomes. Moreover, having students with diverse life experiences enriches the campus community and promotes a culture of inclusivity.

We urge APSU to revise its housing policies to accommodate all students, including single parents. Possible solutions include designating specific family-friendly housing options within existing campus facilities and implementing sliding scale pricing models based on financial need. By taking these steps, APSU can position itself as an institution that genuinely supports and cares for all its students, fostering success across diverse student groups.

By signing this petition, you support giving ALL students—regardless of their personal circumstances—an EQUAL opportunity to succeed. This change can start with you. Please sign this petition to help create a more inclusive and supportive environment at APSU.