SOUTHEAST SHOULD NOT BE PENALIZED FOR ELEVATORS

Southeast Missouri State University finds itself in a Catch-22 that could become quite costly to students. The university is facing an Office of Civil Rights deadline to install elevators in the Grauel Language arts and Social Science and art buildings - to make the structures handicapped accessible. The university has proceeded with the project in good faith - but twice state funding has been vetoed due to shortfalls in Missouri revenues.

While handicapped accessibility should be a priority on campus, fiscal realities have made it impossible for the improvements to advance.

Now, unless the university can secure an extension of the deadline, the institution may face up to $1 million in withholding of federal dollars. Unfortunately, the real losers may be the students; the largest chunk of the funds could come from student aid. Southeast received more than $10 million in federal student financial aid last year, and this year the figure should be even higher. More than half of Southeast students would be affected if the university's federal student aid is revoked.

The federal agency should grant the university's extension request. The institution has made a good faith effort to proceed with the project. But in the wake of massive state budget cutbacks, there just aren't any extra dollars to go around. The university has determined that funding can't be replaced without impacting the instructional program.

On one hand, the state legislature has indicated its willingness to pay for the elevators. The General Assembly has twice approved the funding. By appropriating the money, the state has indicated its responsibility to pay for the improvements. When the state's fiscal realities improve, project funding should follow. The university is also hopeful that passage of Proposition B this fall may provide earlier financing for the elevator project.

The university has a good record of handicapped accessibility. Southeast has added additional handicapped parking spaces and accessible drinking fountains, and completed construction for easier access to the library and residence halls.

While handicapped accessibility remains a campus priority, the federal government can't ignore the fiscal situation that has stalled Southeast's efforts. Without state aid, the local dollars simply aren't there to fund the project. Southeast and its students should not be further penalized for the state's financial woes.