Sul Ross State University (SRSU) is under scrutiny for accessibility challenges and uneven compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), according to students and faculty members who spoke with the Skyline. The university’s campus has faced complaints over broken elevators, inadequate emergency phone systems, and limited accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
The ADA, a federal civil rights law, mandates that public universities ensure access to facilities and services for individuals with disabilities. Former ADA committee member and SRSU student Andreas Buttner shared his struggles navigating campus after brain surgery left him partially paralyzed. Buttner recalled being unable to access a classroom due to a broken elevator, though the university relocated the class to a more accessible area.
“Work orders took too long to be addressed,” Buttner said, adding that ADA committee meetings were infrequent, occurring only once or twice a month during his tenure.
Key areas of concern listed by Buttner include the Wildenthal Library, Morgan University Center, Briscoe Administration Building, and Morelock Academic Building. Reported issues range from a lack of automatic doors to elevator repairs and emergency phone functionality. While automatic doors are not required by ADA standards, the university is exploring their installation in some locations.
Vice President of Student Affairs Ben Telesca acknowledged the complaints, emphasizing that the university prioritizes work orders based on severity. “There is a plan to upgrade… but it will take a little time to implement,” Telesca said.
ADA Committee Co-Chair Katy Williams responded to a grievance form submitted by Buttner, explaining that compliance is met by relocating classes to accessible spaces when necessary. However, resource limitations, such as contractor availability, can delay repairs and upgrades.
“Compliance requires us not to fix the elevator, but to ensure that class is offered in a location that is accessible for a student in a wheelchair,” Williams said.
SRSU offers virtual and in-person options to accommodate students with disabilities while addressing long-term infrastructure challenges. Students and faculty are encouraged to report accessibility issues to the ADA Committee or submit work orders for specific repairs.
As the university continues to balance compliance requirements with budgetary constraints, students like Buttner remain hopeful for faster and more proactive solutions to ensure accessibility for all.
