Moldy Mell Hall

On-campus residents should not have to be subjected to unhealthy conditions.

Take a look at the University Housing’s Web site. It advertises the perks of living in an on-campus dormitory. You can meet diverse people, get involved in campus activities and feel a sense of security.

The Web site makes no mention, however, of exposing oneself to potentially harmful mold spores.

Several Mell Hall residents say they have been exposed to mold after a steam pipe leak earlier this semester. The conditions were so bad that at least two students have relocated residences.

Students contacted by The Red & Black state that maintenance did attempt to remove mold using cleaning fluid.

However, they also said that efforts to fix the underlying cause of the mold, leaky steam pipes, have been shoddy at best.

Mold has the potential of being a serious health issue.

Whether or not the mold is black, and therefore toxic, is irrelevant. Any type of mold may cause irritation and allergic reactions to those exposed to it.

As freshmen, each of the students affected by the mold is required to live in an on-campus dormitory. They were told to file a work order in the event of a maintenance problem.

As any former dorm resident knows all too well, a lot of red tape must be cut before a work order is processed.

If the University cannot fix a potentially harmful health issue immediately, it should find students suitable replacement housing free of charge.

The University should also amend the student housing contract to address replacement housing and reimbursements issued in cases where a resident’s health is at risk.

Living in the dorms should be a memorable experience for students and an opportunity to bond with others on their hall.

Unfortunately, uniting in the struggle to get the most basic dormitory maintenance is not what these students had in mind.

- Drew Wheatley for the editorial board