Snow and Ice Conditions Hamper Accessibility Across Stony Brook Campus

Lingering snow and ice after winter storms create hazardous conditions and accessibility challenges for students with disabilities

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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As students returned to Stony Brook University's campus after winter break, they encountered lingering snow and ice that created hazardous conditions and accessibility challenges across campus. Students with mobility issues, including those diagnosed with conditions like hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Lyme disease, faced obstacles like unshoveled ramps, icy walkways, and delays due to commuting difficulties. The University's snow removal efforts were criticized by some students as inadequate, with concerns raised about the prioritization of commuter routes over accessibility for those with disabilities.

Why it matters

Ensuring accessibility and safety for all students, regardless of their mobility needs, is a critical responsibility for the university. The issues raised by students highlight the need for more robust and equitable snow removal policies and procedures to uphold the university's commitment to inclusion and accommodate the diverse needs of its community.

The details

Following a severe snowstorm on January 25, many students returning to campus found that essential accessibility ramps, like the one leading to Frey Hall, had not been cleared of snow. This posed significant challenges for students with disabilities who rely on these routes, forcing them to find alternative, less convenient paths. Additionally, walkways and stairs near residential buildings were left icy and treacherous, leading to multiple near-falls. Some students also reported incidents involving campus snowplow contractors, including one where a contractor's vehicle unexpectedly rear-ended a student's car.

  • On January 25, a severe snowstorm led to the cancellation of the first day of classes.
  • On February 23, another snowstorm hit the campus, leading some students to argue that classes should have been delayed or canceled on February 25.

The players

Rowan Mouravskiy

A freshman double majoring in marine vertebrate biology and biochemistry, who is diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), a connective tissue disorder that causes joint instability and chronic pain.

Grayson Kaufman

A senior majoring in psychology, who is a resident assistant (RA) in Kelly Community and is also diagnosed with hEDS, Lyme disease, and fibromyalgia.

Benjamin Trosman

A senior double majoring in applied mathematics and statistics and economics, who experienced two incidents involving campus snowplow contractors, including one where a contractor's vehicle unexpectedly rear-ended his car.

Stony Brook University

The university where the accessibility issues and snow removal concerns were reported.

Campus Operations and Maintenance

The department at Stony Brook University responsible for coordinating snow removal efforts.

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What they’re saying

“There was a solid foot of snow that people had to climb through. If anyone was in a wheelchair, they could not go up it.”

— Rowan Mouravskiy, Freshman (sbstatesman.com)

“When it comes to very basic things like snow safety, we don't have the proper resources to have our areas cleared off.”

— Grayson Kaufman, Senior and Resident Assistant (sbstatesman.com)

“It's pretty clear to me that the school is very obsessed with hiring the cheapest labor they can find. When you hire cheaper workers, you're going to get lower quality.”

— Benjamin Trosman, Senior (sbstatesman.com)

What’s next

University officials have urged all members of the campus community to report any snow and ice concerns so that crews can respond promptly. The judge in the case involving the snowplow incident will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the student driver to pursue an insurance claim.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the need for Stony Brook University to prioritize accessibility and safety for all students, especially those with mobility challenges, when it comes to snow removal and campus maintenance. The university must ensure its snow removal policies and procedures are equitable, comprehensive, and responsive to the diverse needs of its community.