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Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

Residence hall vandalism on the rise
Emily Melies, Corner Post Staff

March 7, 2004 - Vandalism is on the rise at Schurz Hall. Acts of Vandalism have taken place randomly throughout the year, with a number of incidents occurring within the last month.

In the past semester, one of the hall's elevators was flooded by water coming from an over flowing sink on the seventh floor. More recently, a water fountain from the first floor was removed from the wall and two large flower pots were destroyed at the front of the building.

In addition to these acts, reports of fire related vandalism have been filed. There have been three separate instances of items being set on fire in the building. Students have set newspapers on fire outside of the building to keep warm while smoking.

"Local and state ordinances, as well as the Code of Student Conduct view setting any item on fire as arson," Justin Shepherd, Residence Hall Coordinator for Schurz Hall, said. "Any act of arson is considered a felony. Additionally, students guilty of any act of arson will be removed from the residence halls for the duration of their time at MU and placed on University Probation, although they may also be suspended or expelled from Mizzou."

"Any act of vandalism is one too many," Frankie Minor, Director of Residential Life, said. "Students don't know the seriousness of their actions. I don't think they are intentionally trying to hurt anyone, but they are not considering the full consequences of their actions."

In many instances it's visitors to the Hall that commit the undesired acts. Residents are reminded of their responsibility for their guests.
Students are held accountable for their actions. If the violator does not come forward, then the costs of damage are divided among the community instead of the entire residential hall. This is also an incentive for students to be held accountable.

"There are not many secrets among students living in communities. Holding communities responsible is a way to encourage students to report the acts," Minor said. "If the student who committed the crime comes forward, authority will consider that. It doesn't mean that they will get off, but it does show that they're trying to be more responsible."

If you have any information about any of the recent acts of arson and vandalism, contact Justin Shepherd at 882-9392 or via email at shepherdj@missouri.edu. If you witness such an event, contact MUPD by dialing 911 and then notifying the staff member on call via the on-call pager at 815-1461.

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