The issue at hand here is definitions. Definitions are, of course, always subject to interpretation. As members of the Student Body, all that we at The Clock are asking for is a bit of consistency in the administration’s interpretation.
Earlier in the year, The Clock published an editorial regarding Plymouth State University’s previous reputation of being a party school. The school, as a whole, has shed this reputation and this is not without the efforts of a very dedicated and cautious administration. It is understandable why certain things would not be able to appear on t-shirts, flyers, banners or any other form of advertising tool. It is obviously not appropriate to include curse words, crass gestures, or illegal drugs.
If WPCR had wanted to put any of the previously mentioned items on their Spring Fling tuxedo t-shirts, The Clock would not be writing this editorial. However, this is about WPCR wanting celebrate Spring Fling “Bond” style with a martini, “shaken, not stirred.”
There have been several other events that have set precedence during the year. The coordinators of “The Vagina Monologues” were allowed to set the scene of their show in a bar. The design on T-shirts and posters advertising the event contained a graphic of a spilling martini. The Class of 2007 recently had their posters advertising Senior Week events approved with a tall glass of champagne; the glass correlated with the Mount Washington Cruise and Pints with PSU.
Reasoning behind approval or disapproval? Whether or not the event is educational. The Vagina Monologues has a good case and perhaps it is just us, but a direct line between educational and the Senior Week events is a bit fuzzy. What senior would WANT to do anything more educational their last few weeks of school?
Perhaps it would be in the administration’s best interest to sit down and figure out a clear policy regarding alcoholic beverages on merchandise used to advertise events at the University. The Clock respects the hard work that has gone into making a degree from Plymouth State not equal a high BAC, however, it is also important to make fair policies.
If one group is allowed to do it, let them all do it. Simple as that.
– The Clock Staff