Dandelion Day is one of the few campus traditions that students look forward to all year long. It is one of the few days designed especially for the student body, as a celebration of the end of classes and the beginning of spring.
Along with the tradition of D-Day comes the tradition of drinking and past D-Days have shown that students tend to drink to excess. This is the reason administration has shown concern, and helped make changes that they believe will make the day safer for everyone.
They have made plans for a food tent that will serve free lunch to everyone, as well as an initiative for student groups to plan programs to foster a sense of community. In addition, they cut the number of rides and chose a band – Jump Little Children – specifically because they are tamer than last year’s Reel Big Fish.
The efforts by the administration to add structure to the event are admirable, but simply “toning down” the event will not reduce dangerous drinking.
Events that do not directly appeal to students may create less interest and participation and the less the day appeals to students, the more it will be solely about drinking.
This is why it is important for student groups to come forward and help plan programs that students will want to attend.
The feeling among university administration is that it is only a matter of time before something horrible happens because of the lax attitude regarding alcohol on D-Day. This is a genuine concern. UR is lucky it has not yet encountered tragedy on this celebratory occasion.
Adding structure can preserve the fun of the day and improve safety, but it is important to remember that students still need a chance to let go.Whatever individual feelings are regarding D-Day, the bottom line is that students need to take responsibility for their own actions. If we wish to continue this tradition, students need to demonstrate respect and responsibility.
