[martyup]

I don't support vandalism, especially against my beloved alma mater.  I actually abhor graffiti and cringe when I see walls, buildings, and railroad cars covered in it.  In 2020, I frequently witnessed news coverage of vandalism all across this country done in the name of social justice.  Many of these riots happened thousands of miles away from the "incidents" that are said to have sparked them.  I have seen little effort by authorities to pursue those responsible for such wanton destruction of public and private property.  Many of those arrested during such riots were quickly released with little or no consequences.

Now we have Stanford students protesting a decision that directly affects them using vandalism "lite" to punctuate their point.  I really don't want property destruction to become the norm whenever someone feels aggrieved.  So, what should the University do to the students that perpetrated this vandalism?

While I totally support the goals of 36SportsStrong movement, I think that the University should decisively draw the line with this incident and pursue the perpetrators of this vandalism vigorously and punish them appropriately.  If they don't, what happens when the next aggrieved group on campus wants to make a point?  Real paint? Incendiary devices? Weapons?

To become a Stanford student, you must be one of the best and brightest in the World.  As such, Stanford students should set the benchmark for civil decorum.  When public grievances routinely result in violence and destruction, there is a collapse of civility.  When laws and rules are piecemeal disregarded by individuals and authorities, then we cannot have either justice or peace. 

I expect there will be a strong negative reaction if the University punishes these perpetrators.  I would hope that there would be just as strong a reaction if they are not held accountable for their actions.

[martyup]

I don't support vandalism, especially against my beloved alma mater.  I actually abhor graffiti and cringe when I see walls, buildings, and railroad cars covered in it.  In 2020, I frequently witnessed news coverage of vandalism all across this country done in the name of social justice.  Many of these riots happened thousands of miles away from the "incidents" that are said to have sparked them.  I have seen little effort by authorities to pursue those responsible for such wanton destruction of public and private property.  Many of those arrested during such riots were quickly released with little or no consequences.

Now we have Stanford students protesting a decision that directly affects them using vandalism "lite" to punctuate their point.  I really don't want property destruction to become the norm whenever someone feels aggrieved.  So, what should the University do to the students that perpetrated this vandalism?

While I totally support the goals of 36SportsStrong movement, I think that the University should decisively draw the line with this incident and pursue the perpetrators of this vandalism vigorously and punish them appropriately.  If they don't, what happens when the next aggrieved group on campus wants to make a point?  Real paint? Incendiary devices? Weapons?

To become a Stanford student, you must be one of the best and brightest in the World.  As such, Stanford students should set the benchmark for civil decorum.  When public grievances routinely result in violence and destruction, there is a collapse of civility.  When laws and rules are piecemeal disregarded by individuals and authorities, then we cannot have either justice or peace. 

I expect there will be a strong negative reaction if the University punishes these perpetrators.  I would hope that there would be just as strong a reaction if they are not held accountable for their actions.