A town hall-style meeting addressing the ongoing hot water issue was open to staff and students in the Campbell Student Union on Sept. 18 during Bengal Pause.
Buffalo State’s interim president, Dr. Bonita Durand, briefly introduced herself, then explained the issue starting on Sept. 4 that left almost all residence halls and some campus dining buildings without hot water. She then addressed the alternative resources for students and safety problems around the shower trailers.
Durand introduced the other administrative staff who were in attendance: Amitra Wall (Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs), Wayne Brumfield (Interim Vice President for Student Affairs), Lisa Krieger (Interim Vice President for Management and Operations), James Thor (Interim Vice President for Financial Operations and Comptroller), David Loreto (Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management), Eliza Ching-Bush (Dean of Students), and Amy Pedlow (Chief of Campus Police).
The floor was then opened to the audience. The first question was posed by senior, Alana Jacquitz.
“What is your response to faculty who did not show up today because of fear of retaliation?” Jacquitz asked. “I’ve talked to many of our faculty, and they expressed fear for their job in response to supporting students.”
They then spoke about a student-made petition aimed at holding Buffalo State accountable.
“It’s a narrative about our experience… this is not a situation that anyone planned, but that doesn’t mean that our experience day to day is not impacted and that it’s not upsetting to us,” Jacquitz said.
That petition currently stands at over 800 signatures and allows for supporters to post comments about why they decided to sign it.
In response, Durand explains that there will be no retaliation for anybody in any department or group that chooses to speak on the issue or support students.
“A message [was sent] out to all the faculty asking them to be understanding, to be cooperative, to be civil, and to work with you.” Durand said. “I want you all to be able to be good contributing citizens where you live and work… And petitions actually serve that self-civil responsibility purpose.”
A second individual stated that medical students are unable to use the washers to clean their scrubs. Unfortunately, there were no updates available on the usage of the washers.
Multiple students asked how the school plans to reimburse them for these inconveniences. And one individual brought up the possibility of budget cuts caused by the costs to repair the pipes and reimburse those impacted.
“I mean, this is drastic, but [I don’t want] Buffalo State to undergo major changes just because it doesn’t have the ability to keep up with itself in situations like this.” a student said.
Durand reassured students that she was working with the financial operations and they would not face any type of defunding in programs, clubs, and other facets of the Buffalo State campus life.
The last concern was brought up by a student who attended Buffalo State in 2015, when crime and sexual assault rates were high.
“What security measures are in place on site for the female students?” They ask.
Amy Pedlow, the Chief of Police, said that officers are patrolling on foot and in vehicles throughout the night. However, if you see anything alarming or abnormal, please call campus police at 716-878-6333.
When approached for later comment, Jacquitz said, “We’re students here because we love Buff State. We just want better.”
For further information, future meetings, and frequently asked questions regarding the hot water issue, visit: Hot Water Updates | SUNY Buffalo State University.
