Concerns on conduct and codes

If we are to believe the rumors, neighborhoods surrounding campus are falling into ruin. Many of the non-coeds living around the UW campus are sick and tired of loud, drunken and messy neighbors.

But who is responsible, ultimately, for making these unruly UW'ers behave?

Why, as these neighbors assert, it's the University's of course!

The student code of conduct only applies to student behavior on campus or during school-sponsored activities. But according to last week's Seattle P.I., a debate is raging over whether to extend the conduct code to all student behavior, regardless of location.

Well, probably not everywhere -- but certainly in the University Park neighborhood and any time we heathen students are disruptive.

"At some time they've got to grow up and be, maybe not model citizens, but citizens that represent the University of Washington," Kent Willis, president of the University Park Community Club, told the P.I.

Advocates of this extension point to Washington State or Central Washington University, the two state colleges that have such codes. Realize, however, that tracking down students in Ellensburg or Pullman is a much less formidable task then tracking down delinquent undergrads in Seattle.

"To what end do you extend it?" asked UW President Mark Emmert. "Where do you draw the line?"

In some ways the situation itself is fairly ridiculous. After all, is it surprising that obnoxious college kids are living next to a university? When living in a dynamic area filled with college students constantly moving in and out one should expect to lose a few hours of sleep now and then. Complaining about loud students is like moving to Seattle and acting surprised when it rains.

I understand the neighbors' complaints, but their grievances are the same reason I moved out of the U-District.

It is the voice of these "problem neighbors" -- the students being targeted -- that is being lost in the noise of this debate, however. IFC President Eric Nordlund was allowed just three short sentences to present his argument in the P.I.'s story, but his appearance seemed more like an afterthought than a serious attempt to lend credence to the idea that while some students are loud, some care about their neighborhood. Painting all of us with the same broad brush is no way to find a solution. I'm no champion of the Greek System, but the last thing anyone should do is fall into easy stereotypes.

We've all seen Animal House and can come up with our own stereotypes without help from the papers.

But someone is making the noise -- most likely UW students -- and it is a problem worth remedying. The proposed changes don't equate to slapping a GPS ankle bracelet on every student as though we were on parole, but don't let the weight of this dilemma escape you. A problem exists, but what is the solution?

While some may roll their eyes at the UW administration's solution (if you can find a more bureaucratic solution than a committee, let me know), perhaps the answer has nothing to do with the University. If all students and annoyed neighbors sat down and threw their prejudices aside, maybe consensus would be reached. If not, perhaps it's time to take it to the next level.

But, in this situation, who is in charge? Mark Emmert or the Seattle Police?

University officials need to concentrate on what the taxpayers and students pay them for: educating students. While it is admirable to think we all learn how to be good citizens in the community, parenting the 39,000 or so students here is beyond anyone's reach. Bless the UW president for realizing that there are some things beyond his reach.

Sure, puking on sidewalks or blasting loud music in the early-morning hours isn't mature, and, for better or worse, some students just don't get it. But I don't think their neighbors get it either.