Security not actually cracking down

Recently, campus grumblings of a renewed effort by security to ‘crack down’ on Vassar’s party scene have risen to an audible level. These disgruntled rumors arise from the feeling that an increased number of parties being shut down and students reprimanded for their illegal behaviors.

However, there has been no ‘increased’ effort to ‘catch’ students engaging in illegal activities. Though there was the brief hiccup regarding the appropriate time for quiet hours to begin (one reference said 2 a.m., another 1 a.m.), which meant that some parties were shut down at 1 a.m., this discrepancy has been rectified in practice, though not yet in policy.

The VSA Council ultimately controls the quiet hours policy, which means that it is really in the hands of the students. So, should the VSA allow raucous all night parties? From a rational perspective, most would argue no. However, this situation highlights an interesting dilemma that develops when students live in the same space that they work. Students are forced to lead their ‘professional’ lives as students and leaders, while still maintaining responsibility for their social lives as well.

Often, parties are broken up because Security receives a noise complaint and then investigates the activity. If underage drinking or an unregistered party (more than 15 people in a dorm public space must be registered, hall parties and dorm room parties are not permitted) is discovered, Security is obligated by College policy to take action.

Students are lucky at Vassar though, because those individuals who are caught in their first, second, or even third offense will be involved in a discussion about the consequences, rather than handed down an across-the-board sanction.

It is also important to note that these policies are not unilaterally handed down by the administration. Each spring, student representatives are elected to sit on committees, such as the Committee on College Life, whose duties include developing regulations for College policy.

Additionally, the whole campus is able to engage in various extracurricular discussions regarding the danger and consequences of underage drinking and large parties. Though this dialogue can occur openly and easily on a Tuesday afternoon, it seems students resist the policies in question when it may obstruct Saturday night fun.

Most Vassar students understand the law as dictated by New York state, yet still become frustrated when caught and held accountable for their actions.

Unfortunately, this issue is difficult to tackle factually, because Security’s relationship to students is based entirely on individual experiences. However, when it comes to “cracking down,” it must be noted that there has been no official changes to the policy. Contrary to popular belief, the policies of the College have not become stricter, and the laws of New York State have not been altered. One could argue that enforcement of existing regulations has tightened, but these policies are nothing new. All students have access to the College’s policies regarding alcohol, noise complaints, and parties before applying to Vassar. Upon enrolling, all students knew that their actions would be governed under federal, local, and campus law.

It is clear that behind our closed doors, we are still in the College’s jurisdiction. It is irresponsible to simply push the problem back onto Security and the College’s administration for ‘cracking down.’ We, as students, must understand that we live in a community that views us as intelligent adults and provides us with the opportunity to contribute to policy-making. In this way, the enforcement of policy through Security is our own prerogative.

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