Maybe they're right.
The Star Press on Friday ran an editorial about the need for responsibility in light of an unflattering weekend of drug-related arrests on and near campus.
Normally, this advice would go in one ear and out the other, but after a weekend like the last, it's obvious something needs to be said.
Just this past weekend, Indiana State Excise Police issued 93 citations, the Star Press reported. The charges ranged from underage drinking to fleeing law enforcement.
The increased presence of the excise police force might be viewed as a public relations stunt, something to ensure that those who break the law will be punished. But after seeing what has happened on and around campus, we are beginning to believe its presence is necessary.
In just two weekends, we've already gathered plenty of stories.
Neely Fest, a block party thrown by the residents of Neely Avenue just past Kinghorn Hall and the Studebaker Complexes, drew excise police to patrol the street arresting and ticketing underage drinkers. The event occurred after a student DJ met with the Muncie Street Department to clear it, but the law was broken with or without a permit to celebrate.
People walking and standing in the street flooded the entire block. One editor said she had to inch down the street in order to avoid hitting someone. When she honked at those in the way, she was greeted with anger and blank stares.
Another editor drove down New York Avenue on Friday, and noticed a group of people walking back to campus. Just before she passed the group, one partygoer pushed another into the street.
This kind of behavior is not only unsafe; it is unnecessary.
Don't get us wrong. We're all for expressing rights and privileges. If you're of legal age, we have no problem with drinking, but there is a line between a few and a few too many.
And if you are underage, you have no right or privilege to consume alcohol in the first place. Drinking underage is purely at your risk. And few will be sympathetic to you if you decide to break the law, especially if you resist authority.
One such example happened Friday night. A Ball State student was found passed out on the lawn of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. After being awoken by campus police, he was told to stay seated. He disobeyed and reportedly spit on an officer when asked to sit back down.
We understand the desire to party. It's fun, and for many, it's a new experience. But we just urge you to be smart about it. We don't want to see your life ruined because of one decision, and neither would the police.
If you decide to cross that line and throw back a few too many, we just hope you're ready for the consequences.
Let's prove everyone wrong. Let's show them that we already hold the responsibility needed to succeed.
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