Dear Editor,
There has been widespread community reaction to what has come to be known as "the mud incident" on the Quad during Hurricane Isabel. The consequences for University property were substantial. Restoration of the Quad will cost in excess of $8,000 and will take two sections of the lawn off-line for fall programming, just as we are preparing for Family Weekend and Homecoming. Labor to clean up the intentional muddying of MGC lounges and restrooms and of residence hall entrances, elevators, hallways, laundry rooms and restrooms cost $842.
Many have asked, "What can be done about this?" Some have expressed the opinion that the community should not bear the expense of restoring common facilities damaged by the thoughtless actions of a relative few. Others have said, "Lighten up. People were just having fun." And there are probably myriad variations on each of these sentiments. This letter is to inform the campus community of the actions planned by Campus Life staff to respond to this incident, taking into consideration the range of views that have been expressed.
We have been engaged in extensive fact-finding, realizing that an incident involving so many people, some of them employed by the University, is not an easy matter to sort out. We appreciate the cooperation of individuals who have stepped forward to take responsibility for their actions and cooperate in efforts to remediate the damage done to our community property.
We will take several steps to hold individuals accountable for their actions. About 75-80 individuals have been identified by name as participants in this incident. Supervisors will take action to address the inappropriate conduct of employees. Students who were involved will receive letters from the Office of the Dean of Students. These students will have a grace period during which they may avoid judicial action by making restitution for damages with monetary reimbursement or commensurate service work for those unable to pay. Those who do not make restitution by the deadline will be referred to Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services for disciplinary action. Students who took part in the incident but were not identified are encouraged to do the right thing - make restitution through the Office of the Dean of Students during the designated grace period, ending Oct. 10.
We have two goals in resolving this matter. The first is to offset the expenses incurred for damage to the Quad and clean-up in the residence halls. The second is to reinforce community standards with respect to good judgment, responsible behavior, and accountability for one's actions.
Gail Short Hanson Vice President of Campus Life
EDITOR'S NOTE: It is The Eagle's policy to run letters to the editor only in the Monday editions of the newspaper. Due to the urgency of this issue, however, we are printing the following letter to inform students involved in the damage to the Quad.
The Eagle welcomes all opinions and will print responses to the following letter on Monday. Letters to the editor and opinion columns do not represent the views of The Eagle. Please send letters and submissions to Editor@TheEagleOnline.com by Sunday at noon.
Mackenzie Ryan Editor in Chief
