Dear Editor,
Back in my day (I can say that because I'm older than most students) they used to tell you in Freshman Orientation not to cross the river or Wheeling Avenue for any reason other than to travel to the mall. Even then, take a friend.
I am not going to discount the events that have been happening around campus these days. They are tragic, but they are nothing new. Muncie is not a safe city by all means, but it is much safer than many of the places students will move to upon graduation. This is where BSU has lost touch.
I'm from the school that tends to believe if you tell someone not to do something long enough in a condescending enough voice, they'll do exactly what you don't want them to do or won't listen.
Instead of increasing penalties to students who make a mistake or sending weekly e-mail threats, warning of an impending police state, increase the training of your campus police so they are better suited to handle the situations they might find themselves in. Increase student awareness that the world is a dangerous place and teach students ways to handle situations when they arise on or off campus.
Telling students that consequences will increase is like telling them "tonight you'll go to bed with your supper," or "you lose your phone privileges for two weeks." They aren't children, so quit treating them as such. In the same sense, they might not have the street smarts you have either.
I just think BSU needs to work with its students instead of against them. Are you there because you are their babysitters, or are you there because you are teaching them things that will help them to be successful outside of the university? Perhaps you've forgotten the answer.
A.M. Rex Donati
Alumnus002,-¦+â-¦--~zo_letterb_04.05.04DNEditorial002-í+â-å2AUDT
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