In response to recent vandalism incidents on campus, Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senator Suman Rao has suggested the University appoint someone to monitor postings or a task force on advertising.
Spray-painted messages outside of Hill Hall and on Boston Avenue called for the "abolition of capitalism", and "Imagine a Campus Free From Sexism" stickers were placed outside East Hall. The same florescent yellow stickers were also stuck on the cover of the latest issue of The Primary Source.
"It's disgusting," he said. "They're being selfish."
Rao also recalled an incident last year in which "Imagine" stickers were placed on University property. He considers the stickers and the paintings vandalism, although not all students would agree.
"I know the people who are doing it, but I have no proof, so they will more than likely remain forever anonymous," he said.
Facilities Director Ronald Esposito said that while chalkings, unless they were obscene, should be left alone, paintings should be removed. "I believe that the University would discourage the placement of stickers on the buildings and in them," he said.
Esposito said it is possible that one of the supervisors handled the incident this fall but that he does not know what was done. "There have been instances of stickers and written material that has had to be removed," he said. "I've been here for seven years and I can't remember another instance of painting that had to be taken care of."
Several students said they hadn't perceived a vandalism problem. "I haven't seen anything around campus," junior Jeff Stevens said.
Any removal requests would be initiated by Dean of Students Bruce Reitman.
Rao is talking to Director of Student Activities Jodie Nealley about monitoring advertising. "In the past there existed a posting person for enforcing campus policies," he said.
He is also planning to address student groups about developing an acceptable advertising policy and possible punishments for groups which break the policy.
