Over the summer, Crossgates Mall implemented a “Parental Escort Policy,” stating that after 4 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, “Anyone under the age of 18 visiting Crossgates Mall must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 21 years of age or older.” The policy went into effect on July 15, but many college students have just begun to return to the area.
As of today, there are 173 enrolled RPI students under the age of 18. Terri Walsh, general manager of Crossgates Mall, said that no exception to the age rule would be made for college students: “It’s a blanket policy.” She explained that the guardian accompanying the people under 18 does not have to be a parent, but rather, can just be anyone above 21.
According to the written policy, anyone 21 or under should be prepared to present valid photo identification showing date of birth and if they are under 18 they “must remain within the company of their parent of guardian.” The mall has positioned new staff members at the mall entrances to ID 21 or under to ensure that they are indeed over 18.
Those under 18 are allowed to enter through anchor stores or the entrance nearest the movie theatre. Once they try to enter the rest of the mall, however, they should expect to have to present ID.
Walsh said they’ve received “incredible feedback” from merchants and the public. She explained that the policy was not a reaction to some violent incidents that occurred there, but rather, they had been looking at such a policy for some time.
Walsh said the mall was instead looking “to change the atmosphere” there and she hoped that as students came back they would be pleased with this change. She added “safety and security is our number one priority,” pointing out that the mall has more than 20 million visitors in a year.
The general manager said she did not forsee any expansion of the policy to other nights. At the same time, however, she added that they would keep an eye on the policy to see what changes should be made, if any.
Reaction on campus did not seem to be in favor of the policy. Vice President for Student Life Eddie Knowles said that he would have the office of Government and Community Relations look into seeing if an exemption could be made for our students under 18.
Three freshmen under 18 seemed opposed to the policy. Naps Tung ’09 said, “What’s that prove? I think it’s lame. It’s a little immature.” Dan Cook ’09 stated, “The kids will loiter outside instead of inside where security is,” and Alex Kuman ’09 added “Kids loitering in the mall might buy something.”
Shane Daley ’07 thought the age cutoff might have been too high. He offered his view: “I say 18 is a little high of a cutoff. I’d think 16 would work.”
Editor’s Note: Senior Reporter Jennifer Scholwin contributed to this report.
