Vandalism on Campus

During the nights of February 6 and 7, unknown students vandalized the College. The words "get some" were spray painted in front of Shenawana, and the words "Keep the Flats" were stenciled on multiple buildings, including the Campus Center, Paine, and Luckey, as well as on the sidewalk to the right of Fancher and next to President Mullen's parking spot.

The College immediately responded with a campus wide email which was sent out February 8, pleading the student or students responsible to come forward to the Safety and Security Office by noon the next day.  The email promised that no charges would be filed against them for these acts if they turned themselves in; the matter would be handled in house by the Student Life Office.  However, no one stepped forward and complaints have been filed with the police who are now investigating the matter. Because the police are now involved, those found responsible will not only be held accountable by the College, but also by the legal system.

These acts reminisce the graffiti that happened during the black out two years ago, which cost thousands of dollars to clean up. The vandalized areas are now being cleaned, and the cost of the damage has not been fully determined. The cleaning products alone could amount to several hundred dollars, and the necessary amount of working hours could bring the cost to the thousands, according to Dean of Students Dennis Stack.

These two cases of spray painting are not believed to be related; however, Stack commented that it is nevertheless of the utmost importance to deal with both seriously so that it does not become the norm. He commented that "we have to take all of it seriously," and that an understanding of "community ethos" should inspire the community to keep high standards and maintain a clean environment. When people begin vandalizing, standards drop.

The stenciling of "Keep the Flats" was a reaction to the recent decision, made as part of the budget cuts, to close the flats. However, as Stack stated, "if the purpose is to protest the decisions, it doesn't inspire conversation."

Despite students' negative feelings about the loss of the flats next year, most reactions toward the graffiti have been sheer disappointment and resentment toward the measures the vandalizer(s) took. "We are a Christian college," said senior Caleb Johnson. "I would expect higher standards from the student body. Besides, defacing a building is not a very intelligent way of getting what you want." Senior Renee Roberts commented, "Public defacement, while effective at getting your message across, is probably not the best way to gain favor with the campus administration or bring change to campus...unless you are Banksy." Regardless of how students feel about the Administration's decisions, it is clear that defaced buildings with graffiti are a poor reflection on the student body as a whole.

The Office of Student Life will continue to conduct their own investigations alongside the police.