Preemptive party control exploits students
Nicholas Lollini
Issue: 5/21/08 Section: Opinion
Every childhood would not be complete without the distant memory of babysitters, those patient but authoritative individuals who would spend hours keeping us entertained while at the same time ensuring that we would be safe. Though the memory of babysitters should not be forgotten, lest we lose part of our developmental childhood, they are not something that students at a university level need to embrace. Yet this coddling/authoritative essence is what the Seattle University administration has begun to utilize by pre-emptively battling against potential violations of the student code of conduct.
Recently, it has come to the attention of editors at The Spectator that members of the Seattle University administration, namely individuals working under the dean of students, have approached students living off campus, flexing their authority in a pre-emptive fashion.
Several students have asserted that Seattle University administrators have contacted hosts of student gatherings, demanding students to cancel any planned events which may be in violation of the Seattle University code of conduct. Students claim, and provide evidence through email correspondence, that Seattle University administrators are using Facebook as a medium of identifying potential parties that may be taking place off campus, and involving students.
Seattle University asserting itself to protect the interests of its students, image and relationship with the community in and of itself is not unprecedented. Under conditions where the safety of specific individuals may be at risk, the institution has in the past pre-emptively intervened to stave off potential harm to students and to preserve the reputation of the university. Whether or not this is a course of action that should be undertaken is a matter that is open for debate, however, it is something that Seattle University has set a precedent for in the past and in certain circumstances university intervention is appropriate. Seattle University has the right and a responsibility to intervene if students are participating in activities that could cause bodily harm.
Recently, it has come to the attention of editors at The Spectator that members of the Seattle University administration, namely individuals working under the dean of students, have approached students living off campus, flexing their authority in a pre-emptive fashion.
Several students have asserted that Seattle University administrators have contacted hosts of student gatherings, demanding students to cancel any planned events which may be in violation of the Seattle University code of conduct. Students claim, and provide evidence through email correspondence, that Seattle University administrators are using Facebook as a medium of identifying potential parties that may be taking place off campus, and involving students.
Seattle University asserting itself to protect the interests of its students, image and relationship with the community in and of itself is not unprecedented. Under conditions where the safety of specific individuals may be at risk, the institution has in the past pre-emptively intervened to stave off potential harm to students and to preserve the reputation of the university. Whether or not this is a course of action that should be undertaken is a matter that is open for debate, however, it is something that Seattle University has set a precedent for in the past and in certain circumstances university intervention is appropriate. Seattle University has the right and a responsibility to intervene if students are participating in activities that could cause bodily harm.
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