The June 2 Salt Lake Tribune article about the insufficient implementation of the needs of the disabled students at Brigham Young University is indicative of the immunity from public law this church-owned facility feels protects it from federal requirements.
Having managed major entertainment and sports facilities for 30 years, I was part of that enterprise when the Americans With Disability Act (ADA) was initially emphasized by the federal government. We in that industry had to scramble to redevelop disabled patron seating, pedestrian and patron access and a multiplicity of handicapped restroom facilities. It came at no small cost and with required implemented in a rather short time.
BYU’s contention that it need only comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is another example of the church’s total indifference to both the law and the needs of their students. The officials at Temple Square need to be cognizant that they are not above the law, regardless of their constant pronouncements of divine guidance. If they have the resources to continually build temples all over the globe, possibly a few of those dollars to provide the lesser-mobile BYU students an opportunity to achieve reasonable access and facilities.
James Oshust, Millcreek