Dear

Spectator

Editorial Board,

As Peter Briccetti ’19 eloquently outlined in his opinion piece last week, the administration of Hamilton College seems intent on reducing the social options available to students on the Hill. I believe there are further implications of these actions that merit discussion.

First, by restricting student-led social spaces, the College is effectively “pricing out” those students who cannot afford to go downtown and buy drinks at the village bars. The Clintonite perception of our students as the affluent children of doctors and lawyers is due, in part, to the fact that you need disposable income to have a night out at the Rok or VT. Conversely, on-campus parties usually do not serve alcohol and are open to all of the campus community.

Second, student-led social gatherings are justified creative and recreational outlets. Hamilton is a particularly isolated college and mental health issues are common on our campus. The administration should stop seeing parties as bacchanalian excesses and recognize that they are a valuable tool to unwind from a stressful week, reinforce friendships, and enjoy the originality, time, and effort that student leaders expend to ensure these are memorable, fun and safe environments.

Third, by decreasing the amount of public spaces available for student use, Hamilton is encouraging private, exclusive and potentially dangerous situations. Instead of stifling parties, the administration should work towards ensuring the safety of attendees and a welcoming environment where anyone can partake in fun.

Partying is as much a part of the college experience as academics and the friendships you make during your four years. These deleterious actions on behalf of the administration will not only fail to achieve their goal (which is presumably to reduce alcohol consumption), but will also engender an increasingly frayed and mistrustful relationship between the student body and the administration. In such circumstances, it can be rather hard to “Know Thyself” if your College is dictating your every move.

Sincerely,

Cesar Renero ’17