University of Cincinnati Urged To Address Asbestos Concerns

Now that the Obama Adminstration has ushered in a new era of transparency in government, it seems that some groups at the University of Cincinnati are hoping to get the same treatment from university officials. The ongoing asbestos scandal at the University of Cincinnati has triggered a joint effort between the McMicken Arts and Sciences Tribunal and the Graduate Student Governance Association (GSGA) to urge the university to address the mounting concerns about asbestos found on campus. Both organizations have drafted resolutions that request more transparency from university officials regarding the toxic asbestos and mold lurking in university buildings.

After asbestos and mold were found in Morgens Dormitory, students began to wonder where else asbestos might be lurking on campus. “The reality is if [mold and asbestos] is in one building, it may be in other buildings,” said GSGA Vice President Peggy Shannon-Baker “The primary goal is to get more communication from the university.” And if asbestos is present in the buildings, it could damage the respiratory health of students and staff, as asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma.

GSGA President Ezgi Akpinar feels that the University has not done enough to quiet the fears of the student body. “Basically, we want to know[the results of the testing in Morgens Hall],” Akpinar said. “The test results should be given to the public…the university has not been too vocal about it…These kinds of things are making us nervous. If these things go untreated, it may endanger human health.”

Source: http://www.newsrecord.org/sections/news/student-governments-seek-statements-1.1759325