To the Editor:
Students in the Class of 2007 will not forfeit their Hey Day experience because of the destructive behavior of previous senior classes. Melody Joy Kramer's column ("Traditions in Jeopardy," DP, 11/09/05) accurately brings to light an issue that the University is confronting -- the tradeoff between preserving Hey Day and ensuring the safety of its participants.
In addressing the issue, the question must no longer be, "What should be done with Hey Day?" but must become, "What should be done to stop or punish those irresponsible seniors who choose to spoil Hey Day?"
In answering this question, unfairly penalizing the Class of 2007 by moving Hey Day to September or to an undisclosed location is entirely unacceptable. The Class of 2007 did not cause any of these problems. We will not be punished for the current state of affairs.
Undoubtedly, the Hey Day tradition must be modified to ensure that it is a safe and memorable experience for my classmates. The Class of 2007 Board looks forward to working with students and the Office of Student Life to help preserve and improve the Hey Day tradition.
The entire Penn community should be excited about celebrating our University's 90th Hey Day on April 21, 2006. I will be among those proud juniors holding canes, not clubs, wearing straw hats, not hard hats, walking on Locust Walk, not some random sidewalk. Please come and celebrate with us!
Andrew Kaplan
Wharton '07
The author is president of the Class of 2007
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.