The halting of plans to remove paper towels from the majority of dormitory bathrooms this fall is both disappointing and frustrating. Though initially met with some resistance from the student body, the project was an valuable endeavor—not only pragmatic in light of recent budget cuts, but in line with our community’s ecological ideals and commitment towards sustainability.
While we appreciate the Administration’s preparations for a potential outbreak of Swine Flu on campus, but the assertion that a lack of paper towels would discourage students from practicing good hygiene is simply condescending. To be sure, dormitories, especially at the start of the school year, enjoy a fair amount of slovenliness; but we have enough faith in our piers to believe that the added responsibility of carrying a hand towel to the bathroom will not be the deciding factor that discourages students from practicing basic cleanliness. As adults, we recognize the importance of hygiene, particularly in the context of a new and relatively unknown health risk such as Swine Flu. We are being trusted enough to live on our own, attend demanding courses and be actively aware of administrative decisions such as this one; please trust us enough to wash our hands.
Director of Physical Plant Clifford Ashton’s noncommittal attitude towards reinstating the project is unacceptable. Once the threat of Swine Flu has passed, we fully expect Physical Plant to return to their commitment of removing the paper towels. The University, both fiscally and ideologically, simply cannot afford to renege on such a promise.
That said, it is important that the student body do its part to ensure that this essential environmental and economic measure come to fruition. But if students expect to be treated as responsible adults we must act accordingly. Many will of us get sick at some point this year, but we should all remember what can be done to stay healthy and avoid spreading disease: be mindful of your sleep and diet, be considerate to neighbors who are feeling under the weather, and if you start to feel that way too, don’t hesitate to stop by the health center to be sure that soar throat isn’t something worse. And of course, don’t forget to wash your hands—you can even bring your own towel.
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