To snitch or not to snitch, that is the question.
Thursday's Student Life Committee breakfast meeting centered mostly around a proposal by sophomore Jane Glynn to change the wording of a section in the rules and regulations regarding the alcohol and drug policy at Oberlin.
At issue was Title X, section K of the code, which prohibits the possession, use and distribution of drugs and the unlawful use or abuse of alcohol, particularly the letter and spirit clause, which states: "It is assumed that the accepted principles of social decency and morality that belong to all good societies will be regarded as binding upon every student. Finally, it is a College expectation that all community members will support efforts to enforce College policies on alcohol, drugs and smoking."
The argument made was that not only are principles of "social decency and morality" vague, but whether or not students should be responsible to inform on other students who violate the school's drug policy, Glynn proposed that the entire section be reworded. "I feel it's poorly worded, it's not very clear. It's very dangerous to turn students on each other," after which she proposed that the final sentence be removed.
She added that it is likely the average student is unaware of this policy, "It has never before been brought to my attention. It's not something I've been directed to. The only reason I know about it is that I've probably read the rules and regulations about three times."
Junior Sarah Fineberg also had concerns about the clause. "Living under that language makes me uncomfortable," she said. She argued that it goes beyond what is expected in the outside world, and pointed out, "There is an important distinction. At my home, if my neighbor is setting fires or something, I'm not required by law to call the police. However, the problem here is that everyone should have the right to do so. But to feel that I have the responsibility to do so? That isn't right."
Associate Dean of Students Joe DiChristina was concerned, however, that without the expectation that all community members take responsibility, no one will. He said, "My question is, who ends up doing this? To me, if we are assuming it includes all parts, to remove students from that may not be a good idea. The whole community involves the faculty, staff and students."
By the end of the meeting the committee had not voted on the issue. There was a clear consensus that the phrases "efforts to enforce," and "expected common-morality" should be eliminated. However, there was still some division between the faculty members and students over whether or not students should be required to report violations of this segment of the rules and regulations. They are expected to vote on the issue next Wednesday.
Prior to this debate, the committee approved charters for the Oberlin Computer Recycling Program, a Free Poetry Exchange and a Dance Folklore group. Additionally, they agreed to table the discussion on the charter for MESA.
Copyright © 1999, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 127, Number 19, April 9, 1999
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