FRANKFORT, Ky. — After several months of standing idle, the elevator that connects Thorobred Hall and Whitney Young Hall to the opposite side of campus is operational again.
The elevator, which broke down during the 2024-25 school year, was briefly fixed early this fall before breaking down once more.
Students expressed outrage to faculty and staff through town hall meetings and emails due to the inconvenience of having to take longer routes to get to classes.
Students felt there was no urgency to repair the elevator as it still remained immobile, eventually carrying into a new school year.
Administration failed to realize how the lives of their students were being affected and how much of a barrier it created, specifically for disabled students who live on that side of campus.
Senior Kayla-Jonae Williams shared her experience on how difficult it is to navigate a barely accessible campus.
“When I came to K-State it was hard to manage certain things. Doors are heavy, elevators are constantly down, especially when the elevator was down over the tower. I wasn’t able to walk under the bridge,” she said.
Temporary relief was given, but not for long.
Williams said she was able to get a ride from the school, but once the elevator was fixed, she was told they were unable to take her to class any longer.
“It sucks that I don’t even have that option,” she said.
Williams expressed how these limitations have often played a role in her attendance in class on some occasions.
“I have a lot to do to get ready in the morning, so that’s already a lot for me straight off the bat. When I’m already late to class and the elevators are down, I’m already late to class, so sometimes I just say, you know what, forget it.”
Williams also mentioned how her biggest advocate on campus in the disability office was let go due to the government shutdown.
“Really, I’m just on my own,” Williams said.
In the wake of more potential elevator breakdowns, it is imperative that Kentucky State increases accessibility for students, especially for those who are unable to simply take another route.
