Don't screw this up

I t's April 7, and for many students this will be the best weekend of the year. It's Spring Fling, Penn's annual carnival, concert and three-day party weekend. But there's a dark cloud hanging over Fling this year: The future of one of the University's most sacred traditions is in jeopardy.

Earlier this year, there was fear about the possible relocation of Fling from the Quadrangle to another location. And while the issue was dropped for this Fling, University officials have told organizers that this year's celebration will serve as a test.

Administrators have expressed concerns about the tradition of excessive alcohol consumption and destruction that usually accompanies Spring Fling. Not to mention the carnival, and much of the drinking that accompanies it, takes place in the Quad, where most residents are not 21 years old.

In a move to maintain Fling's tradition but "change the culture" surrounding it, organizers initiated a number of increased safety measures to try and curb the festival's excesses. But their efforts only go so far.

Only students can truly save Fling.

If Fling is to remain in the Quad, as it should, administrators want to see less risky behavior, less public drunkenness and more responsible students. And really, it's not asking too much.

The Quad is, after all, a residence, and it's not too hard for students to avoid destroying property or getting so intoxicated that they get in fights with house deans or security personnel. Students must be careful to set an example this year so that all future classes of Penn students can enjoy Spring Fling -- just as we did.

So keep your friends under control, keep yourself under control and watch your alcohol consumption. You want to be able to remember what you did this weekend; after all, it could be the last Fling in the Quad.

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