Netley is a sophomore pre-pharmacy major and can be reached at jared.netley@drake.edu
We’ve all seen them around campus; they’re kind of hard to miss. No, I am not talking about the new street signs, but rather the chalk wars that cover the sidewalks. Before I continue, let me make clear that the intent of this article is not to voice an opinion on abortion, but rather to explain the inappropriateness of using the sidewalks as a medium to debate the issue. Just the other day as I walked from Cline Hall to Cowles Library, I counted seven incidents of this chalky feud.
Why is this matter such a pressing issue that it should be addressed in the school paper? We are not fifth graders anymore. If you want to have a debate on a subject then hold a meeting! Don’t fight it out over chalk. I haven’t had recess since fifth grade, so playground time is over. Secondly, Drake is a nationally recognized university that plays host to a wide variety of important guests. Last Thursday afternoon we had Robert Reich on our campus. It isn’t professional to see “graffiti” lining the pavement that he had to walk on. Lastly, think about when you visited campus for the first time and what you were personally looking for in a university. Weren’t you looking for a community-like atmosphere? Should we really give off the impression to guests and prospective students that Drake plays host to a hostile community in which everyone is compelled to stress over personal beliefs? There are many more pressing issues first at hand, like studying for your first chemistry exam.
Let’s be a little more mindful of what we say before we say it, or write it in this case. And think about how from an outside perspective this immaturity could be viewed.
Let’s keep the chalking for publicly announcing events on campus and not sharing personal opinions. The sidewalk isn’t any different than the “posting areas” we have around the buildings on campus.
Sure the rain will wash it all way soon, but will Dr. Seuss ever forgive us for using the “Who’s” as a metaphor for an embryo? Let’s keep it classy Drake and leave the chalk at the playground.