Dear colleges in the Scranton area,
The Scranton Parade Day is an annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration that attracts people from an array of places to take part in the day’s events. Many colleges and universities in the area seem to consistently close for spring break around the same time the parade is scheduled to occur. Many return, anyway, for the day and stay with locals of the area or in an off-campus house or apartment. Either way, people still go, and the scene is less than ideal for safe drinking.
That is why I think colleges in the area should consider keeping their doors open for the day. Obviously, there are a lot of practical considerations that would have to be in effect, but I do not think colleges should seek to plan their spring breaks over the day to avoid the potential hazards that may come with the occasion.
Understandably, no college wants to be responsible for underage kids getting into trouble, legally or physically. Whether a school is opened or closed, though, students who want to participate in the celebration, are going to participate. Schools being open may increase the amount of people attending the parade, but it may also deter people from drinking an obscene amount.
Knowing they have to return to a particular destination with familiar faces of authority, students will be more likely to monitor how much they are drinking. A safe environment promotes safe drinking. Extending precautions on the day may be necessary, but it's better done through an institution instead of the police department. Should any problems surface throughout the day, students should have a place to go back to that is both comfortable and familiar to them.
Acknowledging drinking amongst college students does not belittle the security of a college, but rather, it makes them appear more prepared for and forthcoming about the activities of many college students. In order to create a stronger relationship between institution and student, there needs to be communication and acknowledgement on both sides. Protect the students, and respect the institution and it's policies.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a huge tradition of Scranton, which makes it an appealing occasion for anyone who lives in the area for any given amount of time. Colleges in the area can benefit from recognizing the event and appreciating its display of tradition. Shying away from responsibility is no way to maintain a healthy relationship with young adults. We are bragged about for our academic, athletics and morals in brochures, info sessions and other recruiting mechanisms, but we are not trusted in practice.
We deserve a little more credit for our capabilities and a little accommodation would be a great way to show it.
Sincerely,
A frustrated student