I am writing to express my opinions regarding the unpredicted President’s Day snow blizzard on February 17. Having met Dr. Peterson and Dr. Knowles at a recent “Meet the President” dinner for seniors, I feel that the channels of communication have been opened.

“New York Governor George Pataki has declared a snow emergency for several counties … [that] cover the area from Long Island and New York City all the way up to Albany.” – WTEN-TV

This same snow storm had struck Washington DC, where a multi-sport utility escort took over two and one half hours to get President George Bush from Camp David to the White House. Airports all along the East Coast were closed with undeterminable delays. New York City reportedly had 20 to 22 inches of snow. Garrett County Maryland had 40 inches of snow. Over 60 mph winds were reported in Boston.

We here in New York are not surprised by snow nor are we not unaccustomed to large qualities. However, the unpredictability of this storm along side the President’s Day weekend, coupled with record snow falls and torrential winds made this storm a major concern. On a normal weekend, RPI is known for being deserted. On a holiday weekend, such as the one just past, an even greater number of students leave the campus.

While I understand that schedules and the quality education must continue as it did after September 11, I do not share the Institute’s opinion to not close down the campus last Tuesday. “As president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, my paramount responsibility is the health, safety, and welfare of the Rensselaer community.” This is the message the student body received on February 15 by the president of our institution. While the message was directed at the recent terror alerts, the everyday events that face our students cannot be ignored. How, then, did RPI not cancel school for the safety of those students returning to campus? Tuesday was a demonstration of blatant disregard for that responsibility.

As an Institute, I assume we promote family values and interpersonal relationships. On a long weekend, many students choose to visit their family, many of whom do not live within the local communities. Many of these students travel to New York City, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia to be with their families. These areas, along with ours, were hard hit during this snowstorm.

RPI closed the dining services at the student union last weekend because of the snowstorm. Many of these workers live close by the campus, yet RPI still believed that for their safety, they should return home early. However, the safety of the students that were returning from distances even as close as New York City, were not considered.

RPI prides itself on the rigorous education we provide. Success is not met without hard work and determination. Students who wish to succeed focus on going to class and learning the material. Students concerned about missing a class today were placed in direct danger by the Institute as they returned to campus through counties that by words of the governor, were under “Snow Emergency.” I see a lack of judgment on behalf of those whom did not consider a friend named “Rich” traveling back from Pennsylvania over this weekend. I see a lack of concern for students traveling from New York City or Boston. By remaining open, every single commuter student, every traveling student, and every family who has students at RPI were put at risk.

SUNY Albany, Sienna, and St. Rose all appeared on WRGB-TV as being closed Tuesday. It is my impression that they deemed the snow condition too hazardous to risk the lives of their student body. Even RPI deemed it too dangerous for members of their community to travel in Monday’s weather. It cannot be ignored that students were at risk as deemed by the Governor, many other states, and even other local colleges.

Risk $26,400 tuition or drive a little faster on the snow covered highways on roads deemed by the governor of New York to be hazardous and dangerous. RPI has told me that they expect me to drive a little faster.

Having spoken to you both personally, Dr. Knowles and Dr. Peterson, I hope that my concerns may reach those that need to hear them. I value my classes here at RPI, however I would never place anyone in such blatant and obvious risk to attend one of these classes. 

  My real concern is, should I expect that the decisions made by the Institute are ones that are willing to place my life at risk?

Ken Lo