February 17, 2026
Extra time, extra drama
America's Future Leaders Are Learning to Become Grifters
Readers say the fish rots from the head as “victimhood” becomes a campus cheat code
TLDR: A Stanford student says classmates chase disability accommodations for perks as rates surge at elite schools. Comments split between blaming corrupt leaders, appealing to principles over perks, and a cynical “this is the new normal,” stoking a bigger fight about fairness, trust, and who gets help—and why.
Call it Grift U: the comment section went feral after a Stanford junior admitted using her endometriosis diagnosis to snag better housing and perks, while claiming many classmates do the same. With stats showing disability registrations booming at elite schools—around 20% at Harvard/Brown, up to ~40% at Stanford, vs. 3–4% at community colleges—the audience sensed a bigger vibe shift: rules are now “obstacles,” perks are power-ups, and gaming the system is treated like extra credit.
The hottest take? Blame the grown‑ups. One thread tied this straight to shameless leadership and headline scandals—if the top is rotten, why expect 19‑year‑olds to play Boy Scout. Others went full civics class, invoking John Adams to argue society only works if people forgo unearned benefits on principle. Then came the culture-clash chorus: commenters eye‑rolled a rise in “performative victimhood,” comparing campus perks to a hockey “dive,” quipping that “victim” is the new resume line. Meanwhile, a quieter faction urged nuance: don’t punish students who truly need accommodations.
Mix in a 2021 study saying victim status boosts social standing, and the plot thickens. Some saw a moral slide; others said it’s just rational play in a low‑trust world. Meme of the moment: “Syllabus: Integrity 101 (Optional)” The Atlantic • AEI poll • study
Key Points
- •A Stanford student’s op-ed alleged widespread gaming of disability accommodations and described using a medical diagnosis for housing and academic benefits.
- •Federal data cited report 18% of male, 22% of female, and 54% of non-binary undergraduates identifying as having a disability.
- •The Atlantic’s reporting noted high accommodation registration rates at elite schools: >20% at Brown and Harvard, >30% at Amherst, ~40% at Stanford.
- •Community colleges were cited as having only 3–4% of students receiving accommodations, highlighting disparities by selectivity.
- •A 2020 AEI survey and a 2021 JPSP paper were cited to contextualize changing attitudes toward rules and the social effects of claiming victim status.