Office of the Assemblies

Dear Gabe,

Thank you for conveying UA Resolution #16, "Examining Cornell's Policies for Temporary Disability Parking to Ensure Financial Accessibility and Equal Access." I am grateful to the UA for bringing the issue of accessible parking to my attention. 

Although on-campus parking is a scarce resource, I share the UA’s desire to minimize access difficulties for members of our campus community experiencing temporary or permanent mobility impairment. In light of the potential parity issue highlighted in the resolution with respect to the administration of temporary accessible parking passes, I have asked the Cornell University Transportation Services Department to convene a working group to conduct an assessment of the current system and to make recommendations for improvements. As requested in the resolution, the Transportation Services Department will communicate the assessment and recommendations of the working group to the UA once they are complete.

With regard to accessible parking for pregnant women, however, I must point out that, barring medical complications, pregnancy is not considered a disability. There are already parking accommodations provided for expecting and nursing mothers that are available to all students, staff and faculty. The Transportation Department’s website provides more information regarding this accommodation. That said, as part of Transportation Services’ review I have asked that they consider the feasibility of allowing expectant and nursing mothers to obtain a temporary permit closer to their work/study location at the same rate as their existing permit.  

Thanks for your commitment to building a fair and supportive campus community.

Sincerely,

Martha E. Pollack

President, Cornell University

300 Day Hall

Ithaca, NY 14853

Tel: 607-255-5201

www.cornell.edu