Ben-Gurion University Reinstates Documentation for Academic Accommodations

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has reinstated its requirement for professional psychological assessments to grant students academic accommodations, including those who lost siblings in the October 7th attacks. Families of affected students have protested this decision, citing the financial and emotional burden of obtaining such documentation. Shelly, the mother of a student who lost his twin sister on October 7th, shared that her son, who had been receiving accommodations like recorded lectures and extended exam times, was informed shortly before the current semester that he would need a professional evaluation to continue receiving them. She stated that the trauma continues to affect his sleep and studies, and the family believes the requirement to document their grief is insensitive given the circumstances. The diagnostic process can cost thousands of shekels and requires recounting traumatic experiences.

Shelly also expressed frustration over the late notice, leaving little time for evaluations and paperwork. She questioned the necessity of further proof of trauma for those who have clearly suffered. The family is requesting that basic accommodations be maintained without the need for repeated confirmation of the tragedy's impact. The university explained that the requirement for professional assessments was temporarily suspended after October 7th due to a surge in requests, allowing students to receive accommodations after speaking with a social worker for three years. The return to the standard procedure, according to the university, aims to better identify individual student needs and tailor support measures. The university acknowledged the ongoing emotional impact of the tragedy and the potential added burden of documentation, while noting that access to social workers for individual support and consultation remains available.