This semester, I wanted to start going to therapy. I have never had access to mental health resources until I came to Yale. When I was sent home, those resources all went away again.

In many ways, Yale’s COVID-19 response only emphasized the pre-existing racial and economic inequalities on campus. Being sent home due to COVID-19 separated many students from the resources that Yale provided. This semester, I wanted to start going to therapy. I have never had access to mental health resources until I came to Yale. When I was sent home, those resources all went away again. I hope Yale sees that these demands are actually the bare minimum. I support these demands because they would provide positive steps towards lessening the racial and economic inequalities felt at Yale.

Edson Espinosa, He/Him, 2023