We the undersigned individuals, both part of the Stony Brook University student body as well as concerned members of the community, petition the reinstatement of the Adapted Aquatics minor.

We do so out of concern for the good of both the University student body as well as for all members of the community who have benefited and who would continue to benefit from this program.

The students are hurt by the decision to eliminate the minor because we loose the HSQ classes, namely the First aid and CPR for the Health Care Provider class and teaching assistant opportunity. By getting rid of this class students are put at a disadvantage, especially those of us going for any medical career. Now, if Stony Brook students want to be certified in First aid and CPR, they have to go off campus and pay out of pocket for a second party to certify them. This change will also act as a deterrent for students who are not going for medicine to get certified in these extremely important skills.

Students also loose the ability to distinguish themselves by choosing to minor in a unique, hands on minor that applies to many different careers, including careers in medicine, therapy, education and sports management. Stony Brook is the only Long Island college to offer these classes and one of the very few Universities to have a minor in Adapted Aquatics.

This decision not only effects the students it also negatively impacts the community. Taking away this minor means that members of the community who were in the program, who have waited for years for the pool to reopen and the minor to be fully operational are loosing the two free hours of therapy they had through this program. The benefit that these individuals received from water therapy is monumental. Many families with special needs children have many extra expenses due to medical complication that can sometimes plague individuals with special needs. Giving some of the most deserving members of the community free therapy is something this University should be doing it’s upmost to provide.