One of the hot topics on every student’s mind lately has been Troy’s quality of life initiative, or more specifically, the new enforcement of these ordinances. The Student Senate passed a resolution criticizing the policy and demanding respect for the rights of students living off-campus. However, they have recently been focusing on working with RPI’s neighbors and trying to create harmonious relationships in our communities. This has been even more noticeable in the recent efforts by campus fraternities.
There are a few key points to remember in this situation. The most important would be to keep a cool head and act intelligently. Even if you don’t agree with a law, you still do not have the right to break it. Laws are a contract between the government and its people–there is no other way to ensure the overall safety and liberty of citizens than to impose a few rules. It is true that many of these laws need to be better defined with clearer standards of what qualifies as “right” and “wrong.” However, the best way to express your disapproval of these laws is not to outright break the law, but instead go through more appropriate channels.
Some methods of doing this would be to start a petition or write letters to the mayor and other officials of Troy. The legal system of this nation does provide for those who feel they’ve been treated unjustly. Outright defiance of the law is not one of our options.
While it is true that going through the proper channels may take time, it is necessary to be patient in these matters. Claiming a right to break the law will not be tolerated, nor should it be. And if you do decide to counter the increased enforcement of these ordinances by ignoring them, do not be surprised if you get called on it.
