Evan Carp,
I appreciate your Wespeak titled “Don’t abuse chalk” (4/13/07). I’ll admit that, based on my reaction to a few of your past Wespeaks, I wasn’t expecting to perceive this one as entirely reasonable and valid, but you raise questions that are worth considering. I apologize for my premature judgment.
The discussion regarding the propriety of content that is sexual or outside of people’s comfort zone in community spaces is definitely a discussion worth having. Personally, I’d rather see this dialogue happen than not—we’re here to learn, after all—so I’m glad that the chalking ban hasn’t entirely stifled conversation. The treatment of community space should be something that the entire community should determine.
(Which almost happened when these issues were discussed in 2003; there was a widespread sense that a unilateral ban was unnecessary, the WSA drafted a proposal… but Bennet rejected it, restated his chalking ban, and tried to shut the door on further discussion.)
What I really want to do though, is briefly clarify/respond to a few points you mentioned in your Wespeak.
You wrote, “I realize that most of the dedicated chalkers only use it as a way of supplying shock value.” Perhaps some do, but I don’t think it’s fair to say that most do. I chalk as often as anyone, and I do chalk poetry, random thoughts, drawings, love notes, and event notices. And I’ve seen plenty of folks doing the same. As with Wespeaks and any mode of communication, everyone has their own message and reasons for expressing themselves.
Also, it’s simply not true that “no one ever considered the administration’s point of view on this.” I and other students I know have spent time meeting with and talking to administrators about chalking, and seriously consider their points of view (and of course the official stance of the administration as well—which isn’t necessarily identical to the opinions of individual administrators). That said, I do think many students here tend to overly demonize the administration, and that’s something we should be checking ourselves on.
Cheers. I’m looking forward to next year…
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