The high cost of a university education presents a substantial barrier to many students at UMass, particularly students of color, students with families, and students from low-income backgrounds. For students with limited financial means, one legal or financial setback can make the difference between remaining in school and earning a degree, or being forced out of the University. Here are some common problems that students of color and economically-disadvantaged students face.

Discrimination
Students of color, disabled students, women, families with children, or students receiving public benefits (and others) could be faced with discriminatory treatment by landlords or employers.

Have you ever been denied housing because of your race or ethnicity, marital status, or because you receive welfare or a rent subsidy?

Consumer Problems
Being sold a car that is a "lemon", or having major repairs done by an unqualified or unethical car repair business, can set a student back thousands of dollars.

Have you ever had a collection agency demand that you sell your car, or not pay your heating bill, in order to pay their claim, or threaten to have you deported from the U.S. if you don't?

Harrassment
A student of color, or a gay, lesbian or bisexual student might face harassment in the residence halls or elsewhere on campus which strongly affects his/her ability concentrate on studies or enjoy the university experience.

For all such students with particular problems and needs, the Student Legal Services Office has much to offer, and its services can often make the difference in a full, positive university experience and a brief, negative one.

Relevant Services
SLSO provides advice, education and referral services to individual students and student groups in these areas:

• Employment and labor law
• Housing and landlord-tenant law
• Consumer, debt collection, credit counseling and bankruptcy law
• Illegal discrimination in housing, employment, education, public accommodations and access to services
• Public benefits and services
• Immigration law
• Racial and sexual harassment
• Crimes motivated by the victim's race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or disability ("hate crimes")
• Financial problems with the University
• Legal issues involved in political activism and protest