Let’s partner in reducing noise

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In recent history, a large commotion has been made about the tension between Riverdale residents and Manhattan College students. More recently, the tension has reached a level that received attention from local news affiliate CBS 2.

However, an unspoken rule states if you move to a neighborhood surrounding a college, you will have to deal with the occasional loud student or boisterous group. To go as far as saying that you would have to move because of the students, as one individual in the story said, seems to be on the extreme side of the spectrum.

This problem can be lessened and tensions can be eased if all those involved, from Manhattan College to the bars, implement simple solutions. Manhattan College can help fix the problem by loosening the reins and letting some nightlife flourish on campus. As it stands, the Manhattan College Community Standards and Student Code of Conduct outline a very tight set of guidelines in regards to alcohol. 

In the Student Code of Conduct Section B, Regulations Regarding Alcohol and Campus Facilities, the first rule states that all students present in private residence hall rooms where alcoholic beverages are being consumed must be 21 years old. This rule alone stifles on-campus nightlife to an amazing degree because it prevents students in various grades from socializing and enjoying one another’s company. 

The best advice to Manhattan College that I could offer is to allow students under the age of 21 to be in the presence of alcohol similar to that of New York State laws. This way, students from different grades can come together and socialize on campus. That alone would allow Jaspers to spend more time on campus instead of flocking to local establishments.

With that being said, there has to be a certain level of understanding between Manhattan College students and members of the community. On the part of the students, the community as a whole must acknowledge the fact that the surrounding community is not a playground for the amusement of them and their friends. 

Manhattan College, James O'Connor
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