Spring Break
Editorial: A little more respect, please
Issue date: 10/16/07 Section: Editorial/Opinion
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10/16/07 - The recent revisions to the "Unruly Gatherings" ordinance, otherwise known as the orange sticker policy, have University of Rhode Island students, Narragansett residents and town officials up in arms.
Lost in the midst is perhaps the most basic solution: a little more respect all around. Students and town officials cannot venture down a one-way street when it comes to policy making or other matters involving the two parties. Active participation must take place by all those whom the specific ordinance affects.
To live peaceably within the same community, residents and students must have an understanding. Residents have to let go of the idea that all college students are rowdy and inconsiderate drunks. Perhaps instead of calling the police for a noise complaint, residents should go outside and see if the noise is actually coming from the house they plan to report to the police. People walking the streets of noisy neighborhoods may be the ones making the noises, not the house residents may assume. Such was the case last year with a White Swan Drive resident whom police charged with filing a false crime report accusing students of having a party when they weren't. To prevent such an incident from occurring yet again, residents must know 100 percent before calling the police.
On the other hand, students must be considerate to their neighbors. If students do throw a party, be aware of the noise levels outside. Residents might be trying to sleep and most likely they do not appreciate music blasting in the early hours of the morning.
The new sticker policies now force the students to be more conscientious when hosting parties, so reconsider sending out 100 invites or risk a knock on the door from the police.
After a weekend that involved two University of Rhode Island students shouting profanities at the Narragansett Town manager, respect on behalf of the students to the town was broken. With student behavior such as this, it is doubtful that the Town Council will shift its gears to side with the students and reconsider the revisions put in place at the beginning of the year.
While this policy will continue to upset students living "down the line," the fact remains that a month and a half has already passed in this academic year. The policy seems to be working for the longtime residents and the police are not backing down.
In the meantime, students must make due with what they have. Students, as well as residents, can help strengthen their relationship and foster positive change by simply attending the Narragansett-URI Coalition meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at the Narragansett Town Hall.
Peacefully talking things over can be one positive step in creating a better relationship between residents and students.
Lost in the midst is perhaps the most basic solution: a little more respect all around. Students and town officials cannot venture down a one-way street when it comes to policy making or other matters involving the two parties. Active participation must take place by all those whom the specific ordinance affects.
To live peaceably within the same community, residents and students must have an understanding. Residents have to let go of the idea that all college students are rowdy and inconsiderate drunks. Perhaps instead of calling the police for a noise complaint, residents should go outside and see if the noise is actually coming from the house they plan to report to the police. People walking the streets of noisy neighborhoods may be the ones making the noises, not the house residents may assume. Such was the case last year with a White Swan Drive resident whom police charged with filing a false crime report accusing students of having a party when they weren't. To prevent such an incident from occurring yet again, residents must know 100 percent before calling the police.
On the other hand, students must be considerate to their neighbors. If students do throw a party, be aware of the noise levels outside. Residents might be trying to sleep and most likely they do not appreciate music blasting in the early hours of the morning.
The new sticker policies now force the students to be more conscientious when hosting parties, so reconsider sending out 100 invites or risk a knock on the door from the police.
After a weekend that involved two University of Rhode Island students shouting profanities at the Narragansett Town manager, respect on behalf of the students to the town was broken. With student behavior such as this, it is doubtful that the Town Council will shift its gears to side with the students and reconsider the revisions put in place at the beginning of the year.
While this policy will continue to upset students living "down the line," the fact remains that a month and a half has already passed in this academic year. The policy seems to be working for the longtime residents and the police are not backing down.
In the meantime, students must make due with what they have. Students, as well as residents, can help strengthen their relationship and foster positive change by simply attending the Narragansett-URI Coalition meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at the Narragansett Town Hall.
Peacefully talking things over can be one positive step in creating a better relationship between residents and students.
