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America Inspired

Disabled student has right to live in college dormitory, says federal judge

A disabled student has the right to live in the dorm at Oakland University, says a federal judge.
A disabled student has the right to live in the dorm at Oakland University, says a federal judge.
Credits: 
Photo from Oakland University's website

A 25-year-old Michigan college student with a learning disability has the right to live in a campus dormitory, according to a ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Patrick Duggan.

The judge ruled that Oakland University can make reasonable accommodations to allow Micah Fialka-Feldman to live in the dormitory with his friends. 

The ruling will set national precedent under the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Fialka-Feldman began his quest to live in the dorm more than two years ago. He has been attending Oakland University since September 2003.

Fialka-Feldman has been taking a bus for two hours each way to get from his home to the college.

The university had argued that Fialka-Feldman was not eligible to live in the dorm because he was not on a path to get a degree. They feel that the accommodation will alter their housing program.

Fialka-Feldman is thrilled about his victory, and hopes that it will help other disabled people.

His family is also very proud of his perseverance, and his father said that Micah showed a lot of courage in his two year struggle to obtain equal rights.

His sister Emma is thrilled to return a favor to her brother, as he recently helped her move into a college dormitory in Massachusetts.

“Micah shows people the power of dreaming and working toward what you believe in and what is right,” she told the Oakland Press.

“This is just a beautiful way to celebrate the new year.”

For more information, see:

Judge rules disabled student can live in dorm

Disabled student fights for right to live in university dorm

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Education Examiner

Journalist Donna Gundle-Krieg has a passion for improving education. She homeschooled her children, and taught and counseled high school students....

Comments

  • Robin Sped Examiner 2 years ago
    Report Abuse

    It just amazes me that this student actually had to go to court to fight for the right to live in a dorm. Ridiculous!

  • College partier 2 years ago
    Report Abuse

    Tell me how many students who live in the dorms are on a degree path? Come on just because he's disabled. Isn"t drinking until you puke a disability?

  • Adrianna 2 years ago
    Report Abuse

    I think this was the righteous decision. I am all for it and hope he decides to live in my college Dorm>

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