Experts Warn of 'Toxic Entitlement' as College Students Abuse Disability System

Reports reveal up to 40% of students at some universities claim dubious disabilities for academic advantages

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Education experts are criticizing college students across the United States for increasingly claiming dubious disability diagnoses, such as ADHD, anxiety, and dyslexia, in order to receive special accommodations like extra time on tests and better housing. Recent data shows that at some schools, over 20% of undergraduates are now registered as disabled, but professors say this is not due to a surge in physical impairments. Instead, students are "gaming the system" to make college life easier for themselves, which experts warn is hurting those with real disabilities.

Why it matters

This trend highlights growing concerns about a sense of "toxic entitlement" among college students, who feel they should be shielded from any discomfort or challenge during their academic experience. Experts warn this is symptomatic of a broader issue with Gen Z's expectations, which higher education institutions are enabling by accommodating students' self-centered demands.

The details

Reports reveal that at schools like Brown, Harvard, and Amherst, more than 20% of undergraduates are now registered as disabled. At Stanford University, one student estimated that up to 40% of students claim to have a disability in order to receive perks like single dorm rooms and extra time on exams. Professors say this is not due to a surge in physical impairments, but rather students acquiring "dubious" diagnoses for conditions like ADHD and anxiety in order to gain academic advantages.

  • In February 2026, reports surfaced exposing the trend of college students abusing the disability accommodation system.

The players

Sarah Parshall Perry

Vice President and Legal Fellow at Defending Education, who says students with real disabilities are being "passed over" for those gaming the system.

Erika Sanzi

Senior Director of Communications for Defending Education, who says this trend reflects a "perverse incentive structure" that encourages students to claim identity labels for special accommodations.

Zachary Marschall, Ph.D.

University of Kentucky Professor and Campus Reform editor-in-chief, who says being "uncomfortable is not a disability" and that this trend is symptomatic of Gen Z's "toxic entitlement".

Stanford University

The university acknowledged that its previous reporting practices did not accurately reflect the number of students receiving academic accommodations, and said the actual number is less than half of what was previously reported.

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What they’re saying

“College Students with real disabilities—like mine— are being passed over for those who, as a result of insufficient high school preparation or otherwise, have sought to make things as easy as possible for themselves in the ordinarily rigorous college environment.”

— Sarah Parshall Perry, Vice President and Legal Fellow at Defending Education (Fox News Digital)

“Reasonable accommodations rightly exist to ensure equal opportunities for all students. However, being uncomfortable is not a disability and it is unreasonable to scheme for a single dorm room or easier testing conditions. This trend is symptomatic of Gen Z's toxic entitlement to feel comfortable, which higher education enables by accommodating students' self-centered expectations.”

— Zachary Marschall, Ph.D., University of Kentucky Professor and Campus Reform editor-in-chief (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

Stanford University has stated it will correct its previous reporting practices to more accurately reflect the number of students receiving academic accommodations.

The takeaway

This trend highlights growing concerns about a sense of entitlement and a desire for comfort among college students, which experts warn is hurting those with genuine disabilities and enabling an unhealthy mindset that is ill-preparing students for the real world.