"I got one! I got one!" screamed a Campus Police officer as she slammed a student against a circuit breaker in Crossett basement minutes after my band Fraggle Rock finished our set at a party late on Saturday night. The officer accused the student of hitting her, but it appeared to have been accidental at best. Three cops had swept the crowded party, threatening people and forcing them to disperse without saying exactly why-the band was no longer playing and there were no kegs in the basement. The officers were looking for a party to break up, but it was clearly finished, and naturally, students were on their way out.
The conduct of the officers was excessive. There is no need to make harsh statements or threats to students who are complying. It is especially disturbing to see a fellow student mouthing words of incredulity while cuffed in the back of a police cruiser.
It is not clear whether the police were making an example of this student, but everyone looking on did not understand the reason for the arrest. Such action does not foster a good relationship between campus police and students, especially when the party was obviously winding down and people were calmly filing out.
Aleszu Bajak '06
Students should utilize Scrutiny
Scrutiny, Amherst's student-run course evaluation magazine, has returned. After a three-year hiatus, the periodical has been reestablished as the premier tool to learn about the classes offered on campus and the professors who lead them.
The current manifestation of the magazine is digital and you can find it at www.amherst.edu/~Scrutiny. Future plans for the magazine include the writing of course summaries, Zagat guide-like précises which include highlights of responses and the creation of a print form of the magazine.
However, Scrutiny cannot succeed without the help of the student body. Without a substantial percentage of students in each class completing the survey, the results are skewed at best. Students at Amherst need to take a proactive role in Scrutiny by visiting the Scrutiny Web site and completing their surveys.
Students should realize that there are many valid reasons for finishing their surveys. This project is one of those rare occasions on campus where the desires of the student body and the administration align perfectly. Both parties realize that this project will allow Amherst to become a better informed campus. The administration has put up a significant sum of money to support the cause: the six free iPod minis attest to their financial commitment. The AAS has also contributed funds and has created a committee to direct the reimplementation of Scrutiny. Students who complete their surveys now can receive vouchers for free food at restaurants in town, also funded by the AAS.
The project directly benefits the student body and the surveyor. Each response makes Scrutiny a more reliable source of information. Very shortly, the magazine will be an indispensable resource in the course selection process.
The student body needs to affirm the efforts of both the administration and the senate through its actions. So please visit www.amherst.edu/~Scrutiny and complete surveys for all of your classes.
Josh Stein '08