Miami Student

Issue date: 8/26/08 Section: Editorials

Associated Student Government (ASG), the Oxford City Council and the Office of Off-Campus Affairs can add one significant accomplishment to kick off the 2008-2009 school year-changing the penalty for leaving beer pong tables outside. The collaboration between the three parties led to a re-evaluation of the punishment for students who violated the restrictions on outdoor furniture. The Miami Student editorial board applauds the Oxford City Council's decision as well as the collaborative effort between students and the community to arrive at a compromise.

Last year, Miami University students were appalled by the severity of the punishment-a fourth degree misdemeanor charge-for leaving a beer-pong table outside. Accordingly, students convicted of the charges would hold a criminal mark on their record­-a prospect that could be searched for on the Internet by future employers.

Miami students did not feel that the future consequences of the charge fit the crime and ASG worked through the end of spring semester and the summer to plan a balanced reform. The Oxford City Council's decision to lower the charge to only a fine for the first offense demonstrates the possibility of a collaborative community relationship between Miami students and the community, however this is one that students should not take for granted. They should still respect that as members of the Oxford community, they need to respect neighbors' concerns of the image and reputation of the city.

The willingness of Council members to honestly hear the concerns of Miami's student government helps to bolster the perception of a new, stronger ASG as the year begins. While this compromise could not have occurred without the active whole of ASG, it is important to recognize the influence of select elected individuals who have taken the initiative to follow this process through, even during summer.

The decision by the Oxford City Council reiterates that community/college relations can be established and effective. Miami students should not take advantage of the change in punishment, but respect that their concerns were heard. This compromise encourages dialogue and hopefully foreshadows future collaboration between Miami students and the Oxford community.

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