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Volume CXXXIII, Number 12 |
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Baxter resident responds to complaints
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to express my concern over the disrespect many
students show towards the hosts of parties at Bowdoin.
Last weekend, Baxter hosted a theme party which you may
have attended; it was called EuroJam. It is the only party of the year
in which we try to enforce a dress code and, in addition to advertising,
I personally sent out 4 emails to the entire campus in an attempt to clarify
this dress code. The party was not attempting to be "elitist"
or "discriminating" in any way. It was an attempt to create
an atmosphere different from other campus wides, and to do so, we gave
very simple guidelines for a dress code: no jeans, no sneakers, no hats,
no ripped clothing. This is a dress code similar to many dance clubs and
bars in cities, and the party was no more discriminating than if we had
a "seniors only" party, or a semi-formal Valentines Day party.
However, as I worked the door on the night of the party,
I was appalled at the attitude of many people. As many of you were pushing
me aside, calling me names inappropriate for this newspaper, and declaring,
"let me in or I'll get you in trouble", I felt as if I had regressed
to grade school. I thought we had moved beyond threats and coercion through
tattle tailing. Thus, after about two hours of enforcing the dress code,
it eventually became so frustrating and impossible to deal with people
that we just let everyone in. More than anything, I was disappointed in
those of you who would not allow, even for one night, a college house
party where everyone respected and got excited about the theme.
The more important issue at hand is simple respect for the
house residents and for each other as students. There is no "rule"
that says we have to let everyone in. We make the greatest effort to be
open to everyone, but please understand it is very difficult. We are personally
liable at every party, and we must take this into consideration when letting
people through our door. If you show up on our doorstep under the influence,
out of theme, without an ID, causing disorder, and demanding to be let
in, it is very frustrating for those of us trying to maintain a safe and
enjoyable party. And if I happen to be the one working the door in this
case, I guarantee you will not get in.
So do not come over and expect alcohol to be served to you, as this is not your right as a Bowdoin student. Do not come over, be disrespectful, and then claim, "You have to let me in," because quite simply, you are wrong. No one is forcing you to agree with our events or attend our parties. However, if you would like to attend, and wish to enjoy yourself in a social atmosphere, then you are more than welcome. But if you do not, or if you wish to disrespect those who put great effort into Bowdoin social life, please stay home and save us the trouble.
Sincerely,
Will LoVerme '02
Baxter House
Librarians say: "Shh!" and "No food!"
To the Bowdoin Community:
We are writing to inform the Bowdoin Community about the new Food and Drink Policy that will be implemented in the Library next semester. The H&L Library always has had small signs posted at the entrance asking you not to bring food and drinks into the building.However, over the last couple of years, we frequently have turned a blind eye to people walking in with beverages, etc., since the building was in disarray during construction.
Now that renovations are complete, we ask your assistance in implementing a stricter prohibition on food and on beverage containers that can spill. Beginning next semester, we will ask you not to bring any food into the library. For beverages, only spillproof plastic containers, such as Bowdoin Dining Hall mugs, will be permitted; cardboard coffee cups, soda cans, and other containers that can spill easily will be prohibited. This policy, which will be implemented in the branch libraries as well as at Hawthorne-Longfellow, will ensure that buildings and collections stay clean and insect-free, and will underscore college-wide efforts to reduce the consumption of throwaway paper products.
All libraries try to protect valuable collections by keeping food and drinks away from books. Food residue and spills are devastating to books and also damaging to furniture, carpets, and computers. Spills and crumbs also attract insects and mold, which cause further destruction to paper, leather and fabrics.
This semester library staff met to discuss the Library's proposed Food and Drink Policy with Student Government, who offered their support. The Office for a Sustainable Bowdoin and Bowdoin Dining Services are enthusiastic about the new policy, which coordinates with their promotions of reusable beverage containers to reduce consumption of paper products.
All Bowdoin students receive a free Bowdoin plastic mug during their first year. The H-L Library will keep a supply of these mugs at the Circulation desk to sell to any one who may wish to transfer a beverage from a paper or styrofoam container to bring in to the building.
The Library belongs to each of you. We hope you appreciate our goal of protecting collections and facilities, and maintaining a clean, pleasant environment for study.
Sherrie Bergman Leanne Pander
Librarian Assistant Public Services Librarian