We the Resident Assistant Organization Committee are tired of being mistreated by the Department of Housing and Residential Life. We became RAs under the assumption that we would be joining an organization that would support, value, and respect us. Our relationship with DHRL has shown us that though the department functions on the shoulders of RAs, we are not respected. Despite our importance, we are treated as disposable. This has all become even more evident during the COVID pandemic and we the RAs are reaching a breaking point.

Seeing as the department has not listened to our pleas we see it necessary to make these demands. Our demands come not from a place of selfishness but from self respect and wanting what will be best for the department and allow us to better perform our jobs. It is because of this that we advise DHRL not to terminate or take adverse employment actions against any RAs or other workers based on these demands as this is illegal under state law.

Our Demands:

We demand that the department effectively communicate new policies with RAs and consult them on how best to implement them, particularly before these new policies are shared with the residents.

We demand that the department accurately report cases, as well as disclose to RAs a record of which of their residents is in isolation/quarantine and who has tested positive.

We demand the department create a clear course of action of what would happen should an RA test positive for COVID, or is exposed and must be quarantined.

We demand that RAs be guaranteed housing and employment should they be unable to work for an extended period of time due to contracting COVID.

We demand additional hazard pay for the duration of the COVID pandemic, for it to be delivered in a timely manner, and for the department to be transparent about how much additional compensation should be expected.

We demand the department standardize training for RAs and DAs, given the allowance of appropriate modification from year to year, and implement it to its fullest extent so that each employee is ready to perform the duties of their job to the best of their ability. Furthermore, all RA and DA training material must be made available in an easily accessible, centralized location.

We demand that the RA contract be renegotiated and modified yearly to keep up with the rapidly changing and fluctuating duties of RAs and that no additional responsibilities be added to our job description or contract without additional compensation.

We demand the department allow all RAs to choose between a meal plan or BV style stipend.

At the root of this petition, the cause for our grievances, is our lack of a voice within the department. We are repeatedly told that we are the face of the department, that we are vital to its operation, yet we are shown that we are not given the respect we deserve as such essential employees. For this reason, we demand to have an RA elected oversight and decision making board at the same level as Area Directors that can attend and give input during all-staff meetings as well as be consulted for all major decisions within the department.

We expect a response from the department addressing and providing for these demands by October 28th, 2020.

By signing this petition you are declaring your support and solidarity with RAs and DHRL workers as they fight for better working conditions.

Go here to read our full letter to the Department of Housing and Residential Life:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZllVn4-kMrz3xNGmiwbVK33OhgSsoc4m/view?usp=sharing

This petition is endorsed by the undersigned organizations:

Black Men United
College Democrats at Texas State
F1rst Bobcat Proud
Graduate Students Affairs Council
Hip Hop Congress
Interruptions
Latinas Unidas
LGBTeachers
Queer Cats
Student Community of Progressive Empowerment
Supporting Women in Political Science
Transcend
Texas State Employees Union-University Caucus (CWA 6186)
Under Represented Student Advisory Council
Young Democratic Socialists of America at Texas State