October 15, 2025. Melanie Contreras, The Campus Citizen.
Subject: Lot 403 closure impacting Herron students.
To the Editor,
The insensitive manner in which the closure of lot 403 has been handled by IU authority is extremely distasteful to Herron Students. As ceramic and sculpture majors, the Eskenazi Fine Arts Center is home to our studios and valuable facilities that we rely on to pursue our education.
At this time, it appears that IU is willing to jeopardize student safety for profit. Information regarding the lot closure was knowingly withheld from students purchasing NC Lot passes. Many of us coordinated our school and work schedules relying on direct transportation to the Eskenazi Fine Arts Center. Out of money and blindsided, the only advice we were offered was to park in the lot across the street, which can clearly not accommodate us all.
Furthermore, IU has not made any efforts to improve student safety with the absence of the parking lot. Just last month, IUPD warned students of multiple violent offenses occurring in lots 408 and 401. But IU and parking authorities dismiss our uneasiness and instead recommend the Jagline.
However, the Jagline is incapable of solving our problems. Not only is it unsafe, but it is inconsistent and unpredictable. Its use will lead to students waiting at inadequate bus stops for extended periods of time. Not to mention, it does not run on the weekend and undermines Herron’s main selling point: its 24/7 studio access. Inadequate parking and no operating shuttles will limit student’s quality of education.
Finally, the Eskenazi Fine Arts Center is home to multiple exhibitions throughout the academic year including Herron’s Annual Wearable Fashion Show, Senior Thesis Shows and Graduate exhibitions. The lack of accessibility and parking directly impacts the art community and hinders student’s future careers by limiting networking opportunities. It is unfortunate that IU is willing to sacrifice current student opportunities for the potential of growth.
While our questions and concerns have previously been dismissed, we hope that IU will be transparent in their decisions and work with us to find a feasible solution. Until we have answers, I urge you to email parking services at jagspark@iu.edu and iuipark@iu.edu.
Sincerely,
Claire Edwards
Note: This letter reflects only the views of the author, who is speaking independently as a student, but not speaking on behalf of Indiana University or The Campus Citizen.
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