Micah Fialka-Feldman has been a pioneer in inclusion for many years. He has been taking classes, participating in clubs, and currently pays full tuition at Oakland University, located just outside of Detroit Michigan. In 2007, the university gave Micah a tour of the dormitory, accepted his deposit, confirmed his "move in date" and then said no. In the last 60 days, the student body, the local media and people from across the country have expressed support for Micah's dream and the right of all Option Program students to live in the dormitory.

I first became familiar with Micah and his family when I interviewed them on episode 44 of DisabilityNation a little over one year ago. The interview covers a documentary focusing on Micah's battle for inclusion called Through the Same Door.

Oakland University says Fialka-Feldman, in a program for people with cognitive disabilities, does not meet the requirements to be considered a student.

Fialka-Feldman has a mild cognitive disability that hinders his ability to read and write. But through a special program called OPTIONS, Fialka-Feldman has been sitting in on regular college courses, volunteering on campus and participating in many activities and clubs. He's been in the OPTIONS program for a year, but previously attended OU classes through another program.

He has a student ID and pays program fees for his classes that equal the cost of tuition. He dons an Oakland University sweatshirt and considers himself a student. But Oakland University does not.

Campus dormitories are reserved for students formally admitted to the university, taking at least eight credits and seeking a degree. Fialka-Feldman and the eight other students in the OPTIONS program don't meet that threshold, said Mary Beth Snyder, vice president for student affairs at the university.

"The fact that they are not Oakland University students is the basic reason we've said no," Snyder said. The dorms are at capacity with 1,890 students. "You have to decide where to draw the line. It's not about Micah. He's a fine young man."

The Oakland University Board of Trustees received many letters of support and a clear message that Micah and other Option students should have the right to live in the dormitory. The November 5 board meeting was filled beyond capacity (more than 150 attendees). Student government leaders, peers, community disability activists, agency advocates, family and friends spoke out to change the policy. They spoke of Micah's impact on their personal lives, the campus and the belief that inclusion should include dormitory living. Many speakers recognized the pioneering contribution of OU and they challenged OU to take the next step.

Do you think Micah should be able to live in campus? Want to help? There are several things you can do. Please consider sharing this article with friends and contacts and link to it on your own web site. Also, you can check out Through the Same Door or write to Michigan’s Governor Jennifer Granholm at: P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Michigan. Oakland University is a state school and must respond to the governor and legislature.