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St. Cloud State University
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Commentary
Behavior crosses acceptability line
Published:
Thursday, September 4, 2003
The streets were bustling with more than just movers Sunday and Monday. Shouting and stumbling partiers spilled into the streets much to the dismay of parents, police as well as other students.
This editorial board is not opposed to going out and having a good time, whether it be raging parties or calm get-togethers, but there is a line and perhaps the students crossed it this weekend. It is hard enough for an incoming freshman to feel comfortable at a new school. It may be the first time they have been away from home and feeling safe and secure should not have to be a concern for the students or the parents. Signs seen in yards crammed with drunk students surrounding campus such as "Fathers leave your daughters here" or "You've had her for 18 years, now give her to me" are not appropriate or reassuring.
Numerous misdemeanor citations, the majority being minors for alcohol, were handed out like candy on Halloween and perhaps these citations were warranted. However, partying is not a serious crime and treating students as though they had just robbed a bank or stolen a car was a bit extreme. The need to crack down and disband unruly parties is recognized, but the manner in which the St. Cloud police handled the situation is inexcusable. Instead of just handing out citations, some students were actually handcuffed and arrested while being verbally abused by officers. Others were told to drop their alcohol and when they complied, they were slammed with a littering ticket. This sort of punishment is neither justified nor supportable. For criminals that commit crimes of greater severity, a trip to jail is not even part of the disciplinary correction, nor are they subjected to the harassment endured by these students last weekend.
Most students that engage in underage drinking are going to continue regardless of whether they are hauled off to jail as though trapped in a bad "Cops" episode. To the stereotypical "poor" college student, a fine for minor alcohol consumption will hurt more than a night on a cold, concrete floor behind bars.
The editorial board would like to stress that we are by no means condoning the behavior of those involved in out-of-control parties that included underage drinking, taunting of passers-by or any other such unacceptable behavior. However, we are appalled at the irresponsible behavior displayed by the St. Cloud police and feel that measures should be taken to assure that the conduct of the police as well as the students is not seen on this campus again. On both ends, remembering to R-E-S-P-E-C-T one another can go a long way to an exciting and safe move-in weekend next year.
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