Carle Hall, the largest freshman residential hall on the Keene State College campus, could face an estimated cost of $2,300 in vandalism damages. Students who live in Carle Hall are held responsible to pay for these damages.
The Keene Police Department and KSC Campus Safety are currently investigating the destruction, which consists of broken shower heads, two broken microwaves, destroyed exit signs and now, a toilet.
Associate Dean of Student Life, Kent Drake-Deese, told an reporter for The Equinox he suspected at least 20 students know who has caused the damage.
However, no students have admitted to the crimes to authorities, or have yet shared names regarding who may have defaced property. Drake-Deese said he is confident Campus Safety and KPD will catch the students responsible because of bragging and social media posts.
Photo Illustration by Brian Cantore / Photo Editor
Perhaps these culprits are being “protected” by their friends and fellow Carle Hall residents, but The Equinox poses this question: Is it worth it for each person in an entire building to pay the damages only a select few have created?
There is a difference between protecting someone from political or cultural persecution and protecting someone to cover up an act of vandalism.
Letters were sent to parents of residents, a damage incentive program was formed and a public service announcement video was filmed by members of hall council in an attempt to stop the disruption in Carle Hall.
If the damage continues, guests will no longer be allowed in the residential hall. Is this worth losing the privilege of having friends stay for Spring Weekend?
We believe those who know of the people who have caused the damage should speak up. Withholding information about this particular investigation leads to more problems, none of which should have happened in the first place.
A student’s residential hall is his or her home away from home, therefore it is unacceptable to act in this manner while away at school. It is also, of course, against the law to vandalize property.
These acts display complete disrespect for personal and communal space. As KSC students, we expect more from our fellow colleagues.
This destruction needs to stop. Nothing is humorous about ripping a toilet or shower head from the wall. Instead of protecting others from getting in trouble, students need to protect their home away from home.
