Good morning from Aquinas College, Friends~ I am writing to you today slightly disheartened with the response that we have received from Aquinas College officials. This past Tuesday, I was privileged with the opportunity to sit down with President Olivarez, Provost Gunnoe, Dean Matzke, Ms. Blaszak (Director of Residence Life), Sr. Maureen Geary (Prioress of the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters), and Mr. Steffee (Director of Financial Aid). I was also fortunate to have two knowledgeable, well-spoken, and amazing advocates beside me, Janay Brower and Mark Delorey. Unfortunately, the meeting was very ineffective. Aquinas College officials made the points that: - Christmas break housing was never promised, therefore they are not breaking a promise of any sorts - They do not see break housing for homeless and foster students as a real need - The cost to change the policy would be too high - The lack of break housing is an exercise in independence, and may help build character Perhaps that most sad part of the meeting for me, as a student, was hearing Sr. Maureen assert and President Olivarez echo that my campaign was violent, and according to the President, an attack on the college. This presents a major setback and disappointment, although I am sure the discussion is far from over. This morning, Thursday, November 11th, the Murray, Landrieu, Baldwin legislation was introduced in the United States Senate. If it passes, it would REQUIRE colleges like Aquinas to provide break housing options for students, as well as remove several other barriers to a post-secondary education for foster and homeless students. If you feel so inclined, you may read about it here: 1.usa.gov/1fn1e1I Furthermore, I have started an account to help the students this year, because it is looking like Aquinas will have an extremely limited willingness or ability to do anything at this point. You can find this account here: bit.ly/1dl5lvm Anything that is not used for break housing for students this year will go toward the beginning of a scholarship for foster and homeless students of Aquinas to use for future break periods, whether that housing is on- or off-campus. Thank you, to all of you, who have supported us throughout this journey. I apologize for the disheartening news, but will continue to work towards an agreeable solution with my school. Please feel free to look into the legislation (letters are GREAT, even when they seem undervalued or underappreciated!), as well as to look into the account created for foster and homeless students this Christmas! Peace, ~Jessie McCormick This message was sent by Jessica McCormick using the Change.org system. You received this email because you signed a petition started by Jessica McCormick on Change.org: Aquinas College: Provide safe housing for foster and homeless students during break periods, especially during the cold winter months. Change.org does not endorse contents of this message. View the petition Unsubscribe from updates about this petition
Posted on: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 20:02:23 +0000
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