Editor:
Like every student and employee of the University of Utah, I too have to struggle for a parking space every day I am on campus.
This I am willing to accept because I know that when I eventually find a parking spot, I can get out of my car and walk to where I have to go.
Yes, we have a parking problem. But there is a bigger problem that needs to be brought to the attention of the student body, faculty and staff.
The problem is able-bodied individuals who park in handicapped parking spots for their own convenience.
As I parked this morning, I watched a young woman pull her silver Volkswagen into the parking lot adjacent to the Graduate School of Social Work.
She looked around, reached in the back of the car and put a handicapped permit in her window. She then quickly parked, exited the car and strolled off to class. Simply put, I found this action to be appalling.
I write this in defense of those who are truly handicapped and need the convenience of parking close to a building. It is their right as handicapped persons to have access to these spaces. It is our responsibility as able bodied individuals to park and walk as far as we have to walk.
Parking and Transportation Services says there is nothing that can be done to an able bodied individual who parks in a handicapped spot if the driver has a permit in the car’s window.
I say this to those individuals: Take responsibility for your actions. Do not take advantage of those you choose to mock by parking in a handicapped spot.
Wesley T. Church, Doctoral Student, Graduate School of Social Work