I'm starting this petition because as someone who relies on online education due to medical and mobility challenges, I know firsthand how vital access to these courses can be. Many students face barriers that make traditional in-person classes impractical, if not impossible. Denying them the opportunity to learn online only perpetuates inequality within our education system.

Furthermore, adult learners regardless of their major or past enrollment history deserve the autonomy to decide whether they take their core classes online, hybrid, or in-person.  Many adult learners have been forced to step away through no fault of their own, such as when required in-person classes get canceled due to low enrollment and colleges fail to provide online alternatives, actively shutting eager students out of their academic paths. 

Higher education institutions have the technology and capability to offer online core classes. In the midst of our technological era, it seems archaic that students are forced to attend in-person classes when virtual alternatives can be just as effective. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, around 20% of undergraduates enroll in some form of distance education, demonstrating a clear demand and necessity for these offerings.

For students with medical conditions or disabilities, attending classes on campus might mean dealing with painful and exhausting commutes or forgoing education entirely. Moreover, online classes can provide a more comfortable and adaptable learning environment that caters to their personal needs without compromising the quality of their education.

The COVID-19 pandemic proved that online education is not only possible but can be efficiently integrated into regular curriculums to accommodate a diverse student population. Data from the U.S. Department of Education shows that institutions that offered online courses during the pandemic saw increased enrollment and higher student satisfaction.

Therefore, we urge educational authorities and policymakers to make online core classes a permanent and accessible option. This change wouldn’t just benefit students with medical and mobility needs; it would create a more inclusive and supportive educational framework for all learners.

Please join me in fighting for an education system that adapts to the needs of all students. Sign this petition to ensure that higher education accommodates those who need it most and reflects the changing landscape of how we learn.