If that's what it takes

Usually, Quadrangle residents can sneak alcohol into their dorm rooms up until a week before Spring Fling, which begins April 7. But much to the disappointment of many Quad residents and their friends, their plans were spoiled when bag checks began last Friday, two weeks before Fling.

The Social Planning and Events Committee -- the organization responsible for planning Fling -- moved up the starting date without the usual advance warning to affected students. But students shouldn't take their anger out on SPEC -- it made the right move.

Earlier this year, there were serious concerns about the future of the Spring Fling carnival, one of Penn's most memorable, fun and notorious traditions. There were serious discussions at the meetings of the University Council -- an advisory group of top student and administrative leaders -- last semester about moving Fling to another, safer location.

And while no action was taken, the future of Fling remained in doubt amid concerns for students' safety. To secure Fling's future and prevent accidents at the same time, the council advocated a number of increased safety precautions, including tighter bag checks.

So while opening your backpack every time you return from class may seem like a huge pain, it's worth it if it means that Spring Fling will remain in the Quad -- where it belongs.

In addition, SPEC did what it could to lessen the pain. In previous years, residents were not only forced to open their bags a week early, but they could not bring in containers of any sort two days before Fling even began. This year, while bag checks began earlier, containers will be allowed until next Friday.

Quad residents and security guards aren't happy about the extra annoyance, but when Fling comes, it'll all be worth it.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.