Students object to new fences

By Laura Pelner
Campus Editor

The University has received about 300 e-mails from people concerned about the fences to be built around Purdue's two biggest fountains.

A member of the University Architecture Landscape Planning Committee has more than 100 similar e-mails, and only two of them are in favor of the fences.

Students have started petitions to show their opposition to the constructions, which will block access to the water and prevent people from going on "fountain runs" — an informal University tradition.

All of these opinions are being heard, but the decision remains in place. "The decision to install fences was made very reluctantly and only after a long time of considering it," said Joe Bennett, vice president for University relations.

"I don’t discourage anybody from expressing their views, but given the reasons motivating the decision, I don't foresee this decision being changed," said Bennett. "It's something that's being done in the best interest of everybody concerned."

Bennett cited two reasons why the fences must be built — safety and liability. He said public safety is important. "People have been hurt and if we don't do anything, it's inevitable that somebody will be hurt seriously or even die."

Regarding liability, he said the University has a responsibility to protect itself. "The University would have to pay a major judgment as a result of a lawsuit," said Bennett. "The money that it would pay is money that belongs to the people of Indiana and to the students."

One of the biggest arguments people opposed to the fences are expressing, however, has nothing to do with safety or money.

"I feel the fence would hurt the University tradition and history," said Paul Roales, a sophomore in the Schools of Engineering and author of a petition against the structures. "It would blemish the design and look of campus."

Roales said he will collect petitions through Friday and then approach the administration. He also said a friend of his set up a table in his residence hall and got more than 300 signatures opposed to the fences.

Graham Cooks, a professor of chemistry and member of the Purdue's Architecture Landscape Planning Committee, said the committee will discuss the fences at its meeting on Friday.

"I hope the University isn't going to go ahead and do it without it being considered at the committee," said Cooks.

Cooks sent an e-mail survey to the faculty in his department asking them to share their thoughts on the fences and he was surprised by the response.

He said he's never seen such strong reaction in the chemistry department. "This is a hardworking bunch of people who don't usually get involved in any faculty or University governance," he said.

This time though, people did respond. "There are really heated reactions," said Cooks.

In their e-mails many people said parents should be responsible for their children so the University can avoid liability. They also said Purdue should realize there are a lot of other dangerous places on campus.

Cooks said people compared the fountains' danger to trying to cross State Street at 4:30 p.m. and bikes whizzing by on sidewalks.

"The main issue, as I understand it, is one of liability," he said. "On that argument, if what we're going to do is make the campus totally safe I guess we'll have immortality in West Lafayette. Certainly we'll get rid of all cars in or near campus and all roller blades and skateboards."

Cooks urged people to get involved. "If people want to express themselves, I really recommend letters and e-mails to the president."

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Featured Photo: Lion Fountain

CAMPUS DESK PHONE:
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Campus editor: Laura Pelner

Assistant campus editors: Kurt Esposito, Dave Stephens

To send a letter to the editor, please email opinions@purdueexponent.org