I am convinced that over the past two years I've experienced what can only be characterized as illegal harassment and discrimination by various members of the administration of Rutgers University. This illegal harassment and discrimination is a result of Rutgers not complying with mandated State and Federal laws regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) related to my personal medical issues.

Specifically, I have been diagnosed with PTSD, panic disorder, and ADHD among others. I have been desperately trying to obtain help from multiple deans and advisory staff members at the University since my first semester there in the Fall of 2012. Every time that I have presented my personal situation to the administration over the past three years I have been told there is nothing that they can do, and that I would have to drop out. According to them, if they gave me help they'd have to "give every student who came in after failing their class a free pass". I was told all of this even after I had presented documentation from my physicians and others substantiating my chronic psychiatric illnesses and disabilities. At one point in my dealings with one of the University Deans I candidly disclosed my various diagnoses, and how my illnesses severely affect my ability to study, execute assignments, take tests, etc. The Dean callously and unsympathetically told me that I “should have been a man, and did what I needed to do” complete my classes.

Suffering from the severe symptoms of multiple psychiatric disorders while trying to “negotiate” with a University staff that is uneducated regarding section 504 of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) has proven to be one of the most difficult things I've ever done. To date, I have not received the proper scholastic assistance and accommodations to which Rutgers is legally obligated to provide me according to the ADA. Compounding my difficulties is the fact that I want to move on and complete my education even if it is not at Rutgers University, however, I am unable to do so because Rutgers has placed a financial hold on all of my transcripts. This financial hold is the result of an outstanding unpaid bill for a class that I was unable to attend due to my illnesses.

It is an unfortunate fact that someone experiencing the symptoms that are typical with certain types of psychiatric illnesses can easily be swept aside, and told to "man up” by those who are unfamiliar with these illnesses. Not every person with psychological illnesses looks sick, but we are. Thus, the intent of this petition is to garner attention and support for myself and the untold numbers of other students in similar situations. There are many of us that desperately need your help. By signing this petition and showing your support you will let the Rutgers University administration, as well as, Federal and State lawmakers know that students with these disabilities and challenges are not alone or invisible, and we are not voiceless. Together we will demand that all staff in administrative and guidance positions at every level of education be trained correctly to give proper and legal advice to students who come to them regarding psychiatric matters related to the ADA.

Also, with your signing of this petition I am hoping that it will help me to attain my own personal goals. Namely, I am demanding that Rutgers University: 1) purge my transcripts of all the classes in which I performed poorly due to my illnesses, 2) expunge the outstanding balance for the class I was unable to attend due to my illnesses, and 3) release the financial hold of my transcripts. I am demanding these resolutions due to the unjustified and illegal lack of assistance.