Concerns Over Disability Claims at Stanford University

One of the top universities in the United States is providing benefits to students who assert they have conditions like ADHD, night terrors, and even gluten intolerance. Elsa Johnson, an undergraduate at Stanford University, remarked, “It would be foolish not to take advantage of this system.”

This system—Stanford’s “disability accommodation” program—offers students various advantages on paper. These might include “best housing on campus,” extended testing periods, additional missed classes, and late fees.

According to a report by The Atlantic, nearly 40% of undergraduate students at Stanford are registered as disabled. During the fall quarter, around 24% received academic or housing accommodations. A similar trend is seen at Harvard, where the percentage of undergraduates with disabilities climbed from 3% to 21% between 2014 and 2024.

The percentage of Harvard students receiving disability accommodations rose significantly in the last decade, as reported. This trend isn’t just limited to Harvard; it’s also noticeable at Brown and Stanford.

Johnson expressed that many students feel the need to “game” the system, fearing they might be at a disadvantage otherwise. She admitted to labeling her legitimate condition, endometriosis, as a disability at Stanford.

Endometriosis, which causes the endometrial tissue to grow outside the uterus, can lead to significant pelvic and menstrual pain. In her view, many students claim to have less severe conditions like ADHD or anxiety. Some even report having “night terrors.” For instance, a friend of hers received a private room because he needed to wear contacts at night, while another student was granted a single because of gluten intolerance.

Statistics show that over 20% of undergraduate students at both Brown and Harvard universities are registered as disabled. Stanford comes close to 40% in this regard.

While Johnson defended her choice to register her condition, she also acknowledged a sense of entitlement concerning her accommodations. She explained, “I feel justified in claiming endometriosis as a disability due to the severe pain I experience.” Yet, she revealed feelings of guilt regarding the specific benefits she receives. “Many of my peers manipulate the system,” she added.

The broader implication seems to be that students at prestigious institutions are learning to bend the truth for their own benefit. While some might argue that the level of participation in this behavior could be seen as troubling, questions linger about the university’s motivations. Is it partly due to the risk of litigation under the Americans with Disabilities Act?