Fall Ball solution presents a problem

    In response to the disorderly behavior and capacity issues at previous dances, the Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate at the behest of the Tufts University Police Department (TUPD) has taken steps to prevent similar problems from arising at Friday's Fall Ball. As reported on today's front page, attendance will be capped at the 2,500 students who can get tickets at the campus center. The Senate has not compiled statistics on turnout at previous events, but under the new setup less than half of the student body can attend.
    On a campus without large followings for sports teams, Fall Ball is one of three major campus-wide activities that can bring together a cross-section of the student body. The Daily approves of the Senate's decision to finally confront inappropriate conduct at these dances — conduct that has included public urination and physical abuse of security personnel — with substantive action. Still, it is difficult to justify punishing many students for the extreme intoxication of a small minority. We as a student community need to prove that we can hold large gatherings where we will act responsibly. But it is unfortunate that even if only the full freshman and senior classes wanted to attend together, they could not.
    Ticketing limits the numbers in attendance but still does not handle the public urination and other disorderly conduct that may be more a function of excessive drunkenness than of lines for the restrooms. The university is already planning on increasing its security presence at this Fall Ball. The best way to respond to past issues and the current dilemma would be to further step up security at the event. The police should refuse entrance to the extremely intoxicated students. In the past, TUPD's restriction of openly drunk students has been mainly nonexistent, as students are typically seen stumbling through the ID lines.
    The Senate is considering moving future dances off campus. While this approach might allow the entire community to attend, cost and transportation issues create more problems and would dissuade some from making the effort to go. It is misguided to restrict some of those who do not cause trouble when many of those who have incited problems in the past will still attend.
    The Senate has taken a step toward addressing these issues, but its solution is a Band-Aid one, and better responses are available for consideration. Furthermore, removing this campus tradition from campus would be a self-defeating mistake.