Hello!

To begin, many students that attend Sam Houston State University have been facing the dilemma of having a lack of access to water, food, electricity, and other valuable resources for about a week now. Further, students are still currently facing this insecurity and are urgently requesting the compassion, consideration, and willingness of the SHSU leadership to allow students an extended period to focus on recovery from the unfortunate circumstances that have resulted from Winter Storm Uri.

All SHSU students living on or near campus are still currently being faced with the boil water notice announced by the City of Huntsville, Texas. Students are unable to shower, wash clothes, brush their teeth, and many other necessary tasks that pertain their physical health and well being, without the worries of accidentally ingesting contaminated water.

It is important to magnify that MANY Sam Houston State University students across multiple Texas cities have yet to regain access to clean water and/or electricity. This unfortunate and disastrous storm has massively impacted students physically, mentally, and emotionally. Leaving students to feel overwhelmed and unequipped to confidently return to resume the semester on Monday, February 22nd.

Finally, as Sam Houston State University students, we want to put a spotlight on the fact that we are NOT asking for vacation time. We are asking for time to heal, recover, and process what we've endured. This extension would effectively alleviate some of the stress and immense amount of adversity that we are all being faced with. As students, our main objective is to be successful in our academics. As individuals, our main objective is to maintain our physical and mental health as we enjoy life's possibilities. We are asking for the approval to peacefully prioritize our survival and stability.

Thank you.

Kennedy Singleton

Odelia Moses