40s done poorly

Yesterday, seniors gathered on Low Steps to celebrate their last 40 days until graduation. For years, students have celebrated “Forties on Forty,” a tradition where of-age seniors drink alcohol on Low Steps. In an attempt to give the event a more wholesome image this year, University administrators set up a “Senior Playpen,” a poor replacement for the original event that showed a lack of respect for the adult students involved. Columbia administrators should acknowledge that Columbia seniors are capable of conducting themselves in a responsible manner and allow them to celebrate their years of hard work in the way they see fit.

For several years, Forties on Forty stood as a tradition for seniors. The festivities typically involved lighthearted consumption of alcohol for the class that is almost entirely of legal drinking age. In the last two years, University administrators attempted to corral the revelry by fencing off a portion of the Steps for the seniors and providing no more than four beers to each of-age senior whose name appeared on a list. Students voiced legitimate complaints about the new regulations, but their concerns were disregarded. Over the last year, students and administrators introduced the idea of a “Senior BBQ” to replace the fenced-off, alcohol-focused event. Instead, students were shocked to find an oversized playpen usurping half of Low Steps yesterday afternoon.

It is imperative that University administrators understand that seniors deserve to be treated as the responsible adults they are. After their years at Columbia, seniors must be afforded enough trust to celebrate their success in the safe, legal, and fun way they choose. As the Editorial Board pointed out last week, the University’s alleged “War on Fun” has the propensity to encourage, rather than discourage, unhealthy drinking habits, and the playpen spectacle is no exception. Indeed, several neighborhood bars and residences hosted alternative gatherings last night in retaliation against the daytime activity, which is, ironically, the sort of behavior that the University aims to quash. Forcing students to gather at off-campus venues also significantly reduces the feeling of community during seniors’ last weeks in college, and extreme restrictions on the amount of beer that seniors were allowed to consume during “Senior Playpen” encouraged pre-gaming. Treating students as though they are kindergarten students is demeaning, especially to those who have been legally permitted to drink for years.

In assembling the playpen, University administrators demonstrated a lack of respect for the men and women who they deem to be future world leaders. Next year, administrators must consider the message they are sending students with the way they treat seniors during one of the most memorable periods of their college lives.

Tags: Opinion, Editorial Board