PSG can represent student body

With the recent PSG elections, many people expressed concern that PSG is not truly an organization to represent the student body. Luckily for our PSG senators, an excellent opportunity has arisen to show that PSG represents students. I don't think any referendum is needed to know that most students are against the fencing of Purdue's fountains.

The administration claims that fencing in our fountains will reduce their liability. Their concern about liability does not, however, extend to the ice polishers (snow sweepers) or the climbing hazards presented by a slippery-when-wet fence. It seems that this creates a much larger threat to student well-being than the dangers of an unfenced fountain.

Liability concerns can't outweigh the value of unfenced fountains. The addition of fences will ruin the welcoming landscape of Purdue University, creating feelings of restriction. This is in sharp contrast to the atmosphere of exploring new places and ideas that should be reflected in the openness of our collegiate landscape. Indeed, the (unfenced) fountain is such a symbol of Purdue that it is the centerpiece of the alumni credit card and is often featured in Purdue paraphernalia.

The look but don't touch message conveyed by a fence is an example of the administration trying to show off its power. The fences transform fountains from a fun distraction and a sense of prideful tradition to a symbol of administrative power repressing students and their traditions. Would it not be better to eliminate the fountains completely? Then there would be no liability issue and students can more easily forget all they have lost.

If PSG truly wants to fight for students, they need to stop the administration from erecting these tasteless fences that will scar the landscape of Purdue, hamper our school tradition and become a symbol of administrative tyranny.

Anthony Knakal

Senior, Schools of Engineering

Matt Voglewede

Senior, Schools of Engineering

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