Was It Really Worth It?

Over the past couple of years, vandalism has been taking place across campus. These instances include Hanaway Ice Arena, Samahas, and the damage from the rioting after the World Series.  

Hanaway Ice Arena & Savage Welcome Center was vandalized approximately three weeks ago. Surveillance video from the Physical Plant building recorded students ripping off the letters that spelt out "Plymouth State University" from the side of the three-year-old building. The sign contained twenty-three letters, which in total would cost roughly $20,700 to replace.

The local convenient store Samahas, located on Main Street, was vandalized during Spring Fling in 2008 when the large front window was destroyed. The damage cost $600 to replace. This unfortunate incident has actually happened several times to the store,  "We used to have windows all around here but that's why we don't anymore," said Lou Samaha, owner. 

Samaha was very humble and understanding to the damage to his store, "I understand that stupidity shows up every once in a while it's a part of the package of college. I mean for young people it's a learning process. We all do stupid shit when we're young, some of us get caught some don't. You just have to take it with a grain of salt sometimes, so I don't hold grudges." 

The most recent vandalism that has taken place on campus was after the Red Sox won the World Series, riots broke out, resulting in four light posts being torn down, fences being broken, the Robert Frost stature being de-caned, and furniture being burned. 

"From what I was told it is about $5,000 to replace and install one lamp post," said Kayla Grimes, Student Body President.

The faculty's goal is to identify the individuals responsible for the riots. So, not charge the entire student body for the damage that took place. "A group of faculty and staff sat down and watched videos that were given to them and were on Facebook and attempted to identify students that were encouraging the riot, doing the damage, and participating," said Grimes.

The University is in the midst of investigating video footage, photographs, and social media to assess the students who are found responsible for damaging property during the riots.  

 "University Police Department in conjunction with the PSU Judicial Programs department work together to determine the next steps when vandalism has been identified on campus," said Ellen Shippee, Director of Physical Plant.

The infamous Robert Frost Statue, in front of Rounds Hall, was also vandalized during the riots. "The biggest cost item may be to the Robert Frost Statue.  The cane was broken off, but thankfully not damaged.  We currently have no leads on who damaged the statue and cane," said Hundrieser. 

The funds to pay for the damage are still being decided by the administration and authorities. "There is a rumor going around that says funds from Spring Fling will be going toward the damage. This is a great idea, but it is not true," said Grimes.

 In an email to the entire student body, Jim Hundresier, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, wrote, "As I watched these destructive behaviors begin, I immediately thought about how these behaviors do not align with our values.  One of my primary goals is to enhance and reinforce the brand of Plymouth State University." 

Plymouth State strives to enroll and graduate students who take their academic and extra curricular activities seriously. "Your behaviors, your attitudes, and your work ethics all lead to opening (or closing) opportunities to add internships or career and graduate school opportunities that will enhance your life," said Hundrieser.

As of right now, the judicial process will continue for the rioting case until every student has been identified and due process has been followed.  Every student found responsible will be sanctioned accordingly.

"The behaviors exhibited after the Red Sox win are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.   If you thought the behaviors displayed were acceptable, I would encourage you to start looking for another school to transfer to.  We want students who align with our values, not the few of you who continue to hurt our brand and decrease opportunities for students in serious pursuit of their education," wrote Hundrieser.

Some students found the email to the student body to a bit over the top, "The fact that our VP would rather us transfer than celebrate in the manner that we did is ridiculous. Plymouth was not the only school to overly celebrate the World Series. We did far less damage than the majority of other schools in our area. I understand that the University needed to send a message to the student body but I feel like the amount of shame we›ve been given is uncalled for," said Sophomore Kyle Pellerin. 

In general, PSU does not endure significant vandalism around campus on a regular basis, "We seem to have an incident about every third weekend that is noteworthy, but thankfully most of the damage has been minor and easy to repair," said Hundrieser.  

Vandalism in the residence halls or student apartments, that appear to be prank related or done in a joking manner, all add up in the long run, "All residential students pay for this damage.  While we have increased CA visibility and UPD rounds of campus, 9 out of 10 times (maybe more) students know who damaged their community," said Hundrieser.

"I think vandalism on campus is a growing issue that needs to be addressed. It is unacceptable for people to destroy or steal things that don›t belong to them- no matter how drunk you are," said Sophomore Christina Behr. 

It is important in any case of vandalism to report what you know to the authorities.  The University and UPD are working together to come up with ways to avoid rioting, and to make the student body aware of the consequences of such acts in the future. 

If you know anyone responsible for the vandalism that has taken place on campus, report it to the Dean's Office at (603) 535-2206, or UPD at (603) 535-2330.