The Washington College Dining Hall has currently enacted a ban on bookbags within the main premises, earlier this semester. Although a moratorium was placed on the rule by the SGA, an all-together new solution has been reached by Dining Hall Director Dave Knowles, SGA Secretary Colleena Wiseman and SGA President Eric Johnson.
"Even though we have an all-campus Honor Code, which we have all agreed to uphold, we still can't be trusted to bring our bookbags, which happen to contain valuable property, into the main Dining Hall," said Ally Burleson.
Under the new policy, still no backpacks will be allowed within the main Dining Hall (or through the archway), but "bookbag trees" will soon be made available for those students who do not wish to leave their bags in the cubbyholes outside. The decision was reached last Friday, September 4th when Knowles met with Wiseman and Johnson admist numerous student complaints on the ban.
The bookbag trees, wooden hanger-like structures, should allow those students with security concerns to place their bags in a morevisible area. Concerns are relevant, there have been instances of missing items.
"This issue is personal to me because I have had my backpack stolen before. However, I am also affected by cost increases that occur with too many thefts occurring in the Dining Hall," said Wiseman.
Knowles conceded the rule came about due to students taking unauthorized food from the cafeteria. The problem has become a recurring nuisance for the Dining Hall.
"I wanted to steal some fruit and some napkins, not to mention a loaf of bread or two. A toaster would have been nice and chair would have been great for my dorm. But oh well. now that they have that rule...," said one freshman as she left the Dining Hall empty-handed.
Ally Burleson added, " Even if we were going to steal an apple, we wouldn't need our backpacks. We could just as easily put it under our shirts."
Although the SGA is said to have had no role in the creation of the rule, it did however play a role in trying to prevent it. According to Wiseman, SGA did ask for a moratorium to be enacted and also made suggestions for a new plan, which resulted in the new policy.
Wiseman commented , " I think the Dining Hall's concern was legitimate, however, there is a fine line between security and all-out violation for one's personal rights."
"I think a decent compromise was met. Further suggestions are always welcome, should anyone not see [the new policy] as feasible," she added.
It has yet to be seen whether or not the new policy will erase the uneasy skepticism most Washington College students hold towards the rule.
Burleson concluded, "This isn't about security measures or "compromises" between school officials. The real issue is trust. Pure and simple."
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