Pet policy best left to professors

Recently, Texas A&M University-Commerce implemented a new policy that will not allow dogs in the classroom. We find this unnecessary.

The change came after a recent upsurge of students and faculty members bringing pets into buildings on campus and even into classrooms. Of course, service dogs are still allowed in university buildings due to disability laws. Service dogs also pose no immediate health hazard and, because of their training, will not disrupt class time. It's understandable why the policy was passed considering many people are allergic to dogs, but as long as no one is offended, so what?

It seems a little harsh to suddenly and absolutely ban pets from buildings, offices and classrooms. Perhaps a less universal policy would fit our campus better.

As many of the classroom policies are dictated by individual instructors, perhaps it should be up to the professor to determine whether or not pets are allowed. The professor who disallows cell phones, laptops and dogs will have no ill effect on the professor who allows laptops, disallows recorders, but allows dogs.

Although carrying tiny pooches may be a trendy accessory for some, it should be a professor's prerogative if they feel the need to bring their pet into the classroom. Some professors work to put long hours in at campus, forcing their pets to stay locked up at home all day. In those instances, it seems more humane to allow the pet to nap patiently by their owner's side.

Considering many professors and students alike saw no problem with dogs in the classroom and disagree with the policy, we can't help but feel the same way. The hypothesis that dogs may or may not be unhygienic and/or a threat to the conduciveness of the classroom seems to be a weak and unsupported reason to constitute a new policy.

Honestly there doesn't seem to be a difference between bringing a dog to a classroom than anywhere else. As long as no problems arise from the action, the dog behaves itself and no one's complaining, what's the big deal?

Dogs are generally well liked no matter where they are, melting hearts and adding companionship as they go.

If there was no specific incident to prompt the new policy, then why even implement one in the first place?