{
"type": "rich",
"version": "1.0",
"provider_name": "Action Network",
"provider_url": "https://actionnetwork.org",
"html": "",
"author_name": "YDSA at Virginia Tech",
"author_url": "https://actionnetwork.org/groups/virginia-tech-ydsa",
"title": "Virginia Tech Must Improve its Housing Conditions and Standards!",
"thumbnail_url": "https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/petitions/photos/000/460/255/normal/textlogo_(1).png",
"description": "As the hottest summer on record goes away, we now know more than ever that Virginia Tech must improve its housing conditions. The increased heat year after year has made, and will greaten the need for air conditioning as a basic necessity, not an amenity. Along with this, the overall cost of living has increased substantially in recent years. Because of these issues the students at Virginia Tech have been subject to substandard living conditions. The University must take proactive action before this problem gets worse in the years to come, in fixing this already present issue. In Solidarity, Young Democratic Socialist of America at Virginia Tech We Demand that Virginia Tech provide the following for its students and community. The university must work to provide air conditioning in each dorm room occupied by a student. While this is in the process of being implemented, the university must also provide free electric box fans to the rooms that have not yet received air conditioning. The university must subsidize all on-campus washer and dryer costs for all residents. The University must provide basic kitchen supplies in all dorm kitchens, including pots, pans, baking trays, bowls, plates, utensils, and knives on a check-out basis. The university must also supply basic cleaning supplies like towels, dish soap, sponges, and, brushes for said kitchens to encourage the care of supplies and common rooms. The university must implement an amnesty policy in regard to room checks. The RAs will provide a 24-hour notice to all residents, allowing them to dispose any items against the law or against school policy they might have. Whether this be in an amnesty box or in university dumpsters. The university must provide a clear definition of on-campus standards of living that will be provided to the residents stating what is acceptable living conditions and what is not. If any of these standards are not met and are not caused by the residents, then the university will reimburse students or provide them with an alternative living arrangement. The university must not raise housing costs, or other mandatory fees of enrollment/living at all to offset the cost of these projects. Reasonings: Air conditioning: The absence of air conditioning causes extreme discomfort especially during the summer months and on higher floors. The absence of air conditioning can facilitate the growth of mold, especially in rooms with poor ventilation. The absence of air conditioning makes it difficult to concentrate or sleep well. Air conditioning is a very basic amenity in modern life, since 1967 (when Pritchard was built) the average summer temperature in Virginia has increased by nearly 5 degrees (National State Climate Survey). A lack of air conditioning is no longer acceptable and will continue to grow less so as the years pass. Washer and dryer costs for residents It’s an extra fee that can add to the already high financial pressure on lower-income students. With relatively small wash basins at 3.00 to 3.50 per load for wash and dry students can spend more than 6-7 dollars per week on laundry costs (Plus the costs of detergent). Each student using the facilities regularly will spend a minimum of 200+ dollars on wash and dry alone each school year. Encourages students to wash their clothes more often, a critical skill for growing into adulthood. And a skill many students don’t learn at home. Supplying basic kitchen supplies (on a checkout basis) Improves the affordability of food for students, as well as accessibility. Even with the dining hall discount cooking food independently can save a student significant amounts of money. Encourages students to use common areas and socialize more, kitchens are often not used due to many students not having enough space to keep a kitchen's worth of supplies in their dorm. Encourages students to learn life skills that they otherwise wouldn’t learn, budgeting, food shopping, and nutrition are important to adulthood. The university must also supply basic cleaning supplies Similarly encourages students to develop life skills such as taking care of community resources. Reduces the financial burden on students further and alleviates some problems often delegated to the cleaning crew. Amnesty policy We believe that all students should have a right to privacy as far as personal belongings. Providing an amnesty policy encourages a culture of trust between staff and students. Standards of living list All students should deserve a healthy environment to live and work, as the institution hosting these students the university should be No student should suffer without compensation for something out of their control The university should not raise housing/fee costs. Without this, then the purpose of these policies is null. People already do not have access to the amenities due to cost primarily",
"url": "https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/virginia-tech-must-improve-its-housing-conditions-and-standards"
}