About two dozen faculty and staff members rallied Wednesday to denounce unhealthy and hazardous working conditions at four Brooklyn-based City University of New York campuses.
Organized by the union Professional Staff Congress, CUNY staff said there are leaks, flooding, mold, asbestos, raccoon and rat feces all over the Brooklyn campuses, which include New York City College of Technology (City Tech), Brooklyn College, Medgar Evers College and Kingsborough Community College.
"When we raise concerns with our respective college administrations, they routinely deny the severity of the terrible conditions," said Carole Harris, a union chapter chair and an associate professor in the English Department at City Tech. "They make superficial fixes for systemic problems."
Amid chants of "Hot, cold, rats, mold! CUNY this is getting old," staff members, who rallied in front of Brooklyn Borough Hall, say students and faculty have gotten rashes and itchy eyes as classrooms crumble around them.
Harris said the administration turns a blind eye to the state of affairs. Most of CUNY’s 300 buildings are more than 50 years old, of which 84 were built prior to 1950, according to the union.
"They deny reality when confronted with tests that prove that there is mold in our offices, our classrooms, and our libraries, and they refuse to properly remediate the problem," she said. "It's honestly heartbreaking."
James Davis, the president of the PSC, said CUNY's current goal to achieve 55% of a state of good repair is woefully inadequate.
"Are you kidding me? 55%? That's your five-year plan?" he said.
A CUNY spokesperson said the administration prioritizes the health and safety of its staff and students.
“The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is CUNY’s top priority," the spokesperson said in a statement. "That’s why, over the past two years, the University has invested $850 million in our facilities, completing or advancing more than 100 projects. In the coming year, our goal is to allocate another $400 million for repairs and maintenance, ensuring our colleges continue to provide a high-quality learning environment.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Council Member Lincoln Restler demanded action to address the dilapidation and neglect.
