PULLMAN, WA - Following the decision to move classes online at Washington State University after spring break, student leaders at WSU are calling for a temporary halt to evictions, mortgage payments, foreclosures, and utility shut-offs in a letter sent to Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Whitman County Commissioners, Whitman County Landlord-Tenant Association, 9th District State Legislators, Pullman Mayor, and Pullman City Council Members.

“At a time when many students are losing their jobs or seeing their hours cut back, we need to ensure student’s basic necessities are met. A safe place to live with electricity and running water upholds the dignity of students facing financial hardship, and protects the health of the entire community," said Quinton Berkompas, President of the Associated Students of Washington State University.

“We can reduce our risk in Pullman by taking measures that will ensure our healthcare system is not overloaded, that our residents will have access to vital resources, and that the economic hardships will not create secondary and tertiary effects that negatively impact lower-income, marginalized, or student populations” the letter says.

The student leaders are also asking to be a part of discussions with policy makers about how decisions in the future will affect WSU students.