QUEENS COLLEGE— Since the post-pandemic reopening of campus, Queens College students have noticed a steady decline in restroom maintenance. The recent budget cuts and widespread understaffing suggests that service reductions are being made out of financial necessity rather than sustainability measures.
As reported by The Knight News on March 17th, CUNY colleges are facing financial pressures as “rising operational costs and declining enrollment have strained institutional budgets as campuses work to maintain academic programs and essential service.” It’s becoming clear that these financial constraints are not only affecting academic departments and classrooms, but restroom quality as well.
The removal of paper towels is one of the many concerns that students have shared regarding the restrooms on campus. Senior Political Science major Tasha Jeffers said, “They’re very dirty, often smell damp, have hair left in sinks and sometimes have no soap available.”
