by Robert L. Gruny

In Monday’s DE, Councilman Larry Briggs says that the University should relax its restrictions on the Halloween weekend party because the students have now shown themselves to be respectful and self-controlled.

I submit to you that the students have acted in this way because of the restrictions. By the use of riot control and Mace and, more cleverly, video cameras, the authorities have made the Strip a less desirable place to be on Halloween.

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There were reportedly only 100 to 200 people (respectfully) obstructing traffic instead of the thousands who have been there in the past. Now Mr. Briggs wants to return to the past tradition of inviting them all back. If this is done, it will lend safety to them by increasing their numbers. Students no longer will be the controlled 150 under a spotlight, but an uncontrolled 15,000 who can act in any manner they choose with potential anonymity. One hundred and fifty students remaining virtually under control (only 32 citations, was it?) proves nothing. If your 13-year-old son stole and wrecked your car and then was good for a year, would you reward him by giving him back the keys?

There is also a greater issue at stake. There is no reason whatsoever for SIUC to further risk its reputation by condoning this party. It has nothing to gain and everything to lose. If SIUC and the city continue to enforce present restrictions, then the party eventually will die out. It can’t be that much fun to leave a bar, stop drinking and then stand in the street for 90 minutes. When people stop doing this, the reputation of the school and the worth of your degrees both will start to rise. With a better reputation will come more students, which is good for both the city and the University. With fewer restrictions will come greater numbers and less control.

I respect Mr. Briggs for trying to make both factions happy, but the choice seems obvious to me.

SIU alumnus, English and history