Today's news article demonstrates a striking need for students to add a basic understanding of local laws to their academic fare of art history slides and chemistry equations.
While it's true there will be no midterm on university rules, knowledge of this subject is integral to an enjoyable college experience.
Whether before, during, or after cramming for midterms, students need to take up the urgent task of a refresher course in proper legal behavior.
The responsibility for greater legal education is one that falls on all campus groups.
Students, student groups, Tufts Police and administration all must do their individual parts to ensure students are aware of what sorts of regulations govern student groups and parties.
We're heartened that Tufts' administration is making strides at educating affected students of the student judiciary process. While necessary, it would be best to avoid this step altogether and be aware of both local regulations and the Tufts legal process before being confronted with an uninvited violation.
The benefit of learning the law is obvious. It's much easier to plan a student activity, party or organize a campus group when fully aware of regulatory boundaries.
Additionally, students would best ensure the protection and advocacy of their rights when imbued with a basic understanding of them.
Such an education would further safeguard against being caught off-guard after any altercation with campus and local police.
Ultimately, education alone is just the beginning. When faced with the choice of obeying or breaking the law or university rules, students must make a choice to follow (or not) these regulations based upon their own sense of the situation.
It's unrealistic to expect college students not to party, or even to expect underage college students never to touch alcohol, but it is realistic to expect these same students to understand the consequences of making a decision regarding their actions.
If a student did not understand the legality of his actions, it's highly unlikely to expect the same
student to grasp the consequences of those actions. With an education of the potential consequences of student parties and events, a student is empowered to make an informed choice to participate (or not) in the event.
It's even possible that students might choose to engage in a smaller number of events that necessitate police intervention if aware of the possibility of such an encounter. This would allow for campus police to focus more on public safety issues and let students enjoy their college years with only the most necessary police interaction. Student groups and social activities operating with an awareness of the law help remove some animosity toward law enforcement.
With all the progress toward improving campus social life, it would be most unfortunate for students to remain ignorant of the law and reverse the needed steps to make Tufts a more fun college environment. Let's hope that a student body better educated on relevant local laws and regulations will create an enjoyable social scene free of unwanted and unexpected legal consequences.
