Punishment for RA overkill

I am writing today to inform the student body of a great injustice which was recently inflicted upon one of the few resident assistants in the Arizona/Sonora residence hall who actually fulfills the role of a friend and counselor: Nicole McDonald.Ê

For as long as I have known her, she has continually been a sympathetic, caring person who goes out of her way to look out for the welfare and well-being of others.ÊI experienced her sincere concern for others last semester when she helped me cope with a very upsetting and traumatizing assault I had the misfortune of experiencing. Without a friend like Nicole, I absolutely would not have been able to cope with the intense rage and hatred which I felt. She has proven to be one of the most selfless and wonderful people I have ever known. ÊÊÊ

Yet despite the positive impact she has had on the residents of her floor and the other residents (such as myself) in our hall, an incredible injustice has been performed by our Hall Director, Keith Humphrey. The situation arose when Nicole was discovered to have a pet cat in her room. Having pets other than fish is not allowed in residence halls, and Nicole has admitted that she made a mistake. Obviously, disciplinary action had to be taken, the rules had to be enforced, and community standards upheld. ÊÊÊ

But what standards were upheld with the punishment she received? Nicole was immediately fired from not only her position as an RA, but also from her job as a desk assistant in AZ/SO. She was also given until 5 p.m. on Friday afternoon to vacate the building and was barred from returning, even to visit her friends.Ê

As every other student at this time of the year, she has many tests and projects due dates at the end of this week and during the next, so being forced to move out - even to a yet unnamed residence hall where she will be transferred - will detract from her studies. Knowing this and that she had a test until 5 p.m. on Friday, she asked Mr. Humphrey for a one hour move-out extension. Her request was not even considered. ÊÊÊ

Is this just punishment? I say no. Although some punishment was in order, the consequences she faces are blatant overkill. Violating the pet policy does not warrant immediate expulsion from her home, nor banishment from the building. Also, the obvious lack of humanity displayed by Mr. Humphrey in denying her an extension is revolting.Ê

It disgusts me that someone could be so maliciously cruel to someone who always, without exception, went above and beyond her job requirements and spent her own time and energy to ensure that others are happy. In my eyes, Nicole McDonald is the one of the few people who redeems the less-than benevolent, generally shady organization known as Residence Life. Ê

Matthew Ortiz
Undeclared sophomore