2008 Woodie Awards
Campus-community relations will suffer after block-party ban
Editorial
Issue date: 4/13/07 Section: Opinion
Originally published: 4/12/07 at 3:51 PM EST
Last update: 4/12/07 at 4:25 PM EST
- Page 1 of 1
There are not too many traditions still going on at Plattsburgh State. It is a shame that one remaining tradition won't be happening this year.
Theta Kappa Beta's 12-year-old block party and rugby tournament - TnT - will not be seen on Brinkerhoff Street this spring.
First, it was a problem with the behavior of certain kids. Over the years, the party has been continuously cut in size, but it remained a tradition.
Then it was a property issue. Beta's house was said to have a long history of issued warnings.
To respond to the problems, personal letters were to be made with contact information and handed out to the neighbors. If they had problems with the party they could call to say so.
Still, they would be unable to hold the event.
We think that, yes, there might be some problems to address before the block party is thrown, but, the block party should not be cancelled.
This block party is a tribute to two former PSUC students and money raised goes into a memorial scholarship fund.
Like a lot of other traditions, the meaning of it is eclipsed by a party and sometimes people do get out-of-line.
But, that is no reason to take away the tradition from the people who still work hard to make it a successful event and respect what it stands for.
Another problem brought up is the lack of work and cooperation with off-campus students and neighborhoods.
What are their options?
If some people think that there should be changes made to the block party or in general, express them.
If they were willing to send out letters so people can contact them specifically, wouldn't that help?
By taking away TnT, it will accomplish the exact opposite of future cooperation. It just adds tension and bitterness between the two sides.
Forcing anybody to do something won't help their attitude or future behavior. True cooperation could be the neighborhood allowing the property size of the block party to increase, while controlling the size and alcohol availability.
Some aspects may disappoint both sides, but they both get something they want - that's cooperation.
There aren't too many events that students can look forward to at the end of the semester before finals week, but if you knew about the block party, most likely it was one of them.
Even if you didn't know about the meaning behind TnT, it was still a fun event.
Whether it's noise, conditions or off-campus cooperation - taking something important away doesn't help accomplish anything.
Theta Kappa Beta's 12-year-old block party and rugby tournament - TnT - will not be seen on Brinkerhoff Street this spring.
First, it was a problem with the behavior of certain kids. Over the years, the party has been continuously cut in size, but it remained a tradition.
Then it was a property issue. Beta's house was said to have a long history of issued warnings.
To respond to the problems, personal letters were to be made with contact information and handed out to the neighbors. If they had problems with the party they could call to say so.
Still, they would be unable to hold the event.
We think that, yes, there might be some problems to address before the block party is thrown, but, the block party should not be cancelled.
This block party is a tribute to two former PSUC students and money raised goes into a memorial scholarship fund.
Like a lot of other traditions, the meaning of it is eclipsed by a party and sometimes people do get out-of-line.
But, that is no reason to take away the tradition from the people who still work hard to make it a successful event and respect what it stands for.
Another problem brought up is the lack of work and cooperation with off-campus students and neighborhoods.
What are their options?
If some people think that there should be changes made to the block party or in general, express them.
If they were willing to send out letters so people can contact them specifically, wouldn't that help?
By taking away TnT, it will accomplish the exact opposite of future cooperation. It just adds tension and bitterness between the two sides.
Forcing anybody to do something won't help their attitude or future behavior. True cooperation could be the neighborhood allowing the property size of the block party to increase, while controlling the size and alcohol availability.
Some aspects may disappoint both sides, but they both get something they want - that's cooperation.
There aren't too many events that students can look forward to at the end of the semester before finals week, but if you knew about the block party, most likely it was one of them.
Even if you didn't know about the meaning behind TnT, it was still a fun event.
Whether it's noise, conditions or off-campus cooperation - taking something important away doesn't help accomplish anything.
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