Fort Hays State students claim mold issues in dorm causing sickness

HAYS, Kan. (KSNW) — Several students at Fort Hays State University say they have mold issues in their dorm rooms at McMindes Hall.

Some students say they have missed classes and are sick with symptoms of mild exposure, including respiratory issues.

They say they found mold on pipes and the air conditioner in their rooms.

“I actually had to go to the doctor multiple times. They couldn’t figure out why I was having these fevers. Suddenly they were like, ‘Is there anything in your room? Mold or anything like that?’ And I was like, actually, yeah,” said Fort Hays State Student Raynee Hardesty.

The University sent KSN a statement saying they have hired an environmental firm to study the air quality in at least 20 dorm rooms. It found a “mild” to “moderate” level of mold present.

Fort Hays is still working with the environmental team to see what the best action to take.