Wesleying just received the following e-mail from Alex Chaves ’12 on behalf of Eclectic Society:
Recently Scott Backer and the Student Judicial Board has informed the Eclectic Society that all events, lectures, gatherings, and shows will be canceled and prohibited at Eclectic due to a “House Hosting Restriction” through April 30th, with the exception of the weekend of WesFest for pre-frosh.
These charges are being made over noise complaints during one night last semester. As a society we are distraught; if this Hosting Restriction is to remain, it will mean that NO EVENTS will be able to occur at Eclectic for the remainder of the semester. We as a society feel that the exception for WesFest indicates that the administration is more interested in creating the appearance of student life for prospective students than actually supporting student culture.
This ban includes a Das Racist and Ponytail concert, an STI testing day, lectures by Lynn Owens and Patricia Clough with the Sociology department, a college in prison fundraising event with Bro-zone, along with many other events. Many students outside of the Eclectic Society have worked hard to plan these beneficial events, and we as a society want to provide a space for them. We feel that these charges will do great damage to the Wesleyan student body, and will undermine the purpose of Eclectic’s presence on this campus.
Eclectic is asking you, the student body of Wesleyan, to help support us in lifting these charges and maintaining the planned events over the course of the semester (events we all were looking forward to). We will be distributing a petition for this Hosting Ban, please sign. We feel that Eclectic makes a positive contribution to the intellectual and artistic atmosphere of Wesleyan’s campus and this punishment is overly harsh. We have tried to provide Wesleyan with fun and stimulating events that improve student life at Wesleyan, please support us in continuing this tradition.
Please join us in appealing these charges,
The Eclectic Society
So, I’m conflicted. On the one hand, in my experience, the SJB tends to be pretty fair. When they dish out harsh punishment, it’s usually justified. Minor violations really are given warnings. Without further details about the violation that led to this punishment, I’d be hesitant to sign a petition.
That said, this totally sucks for the entire campus. Some of the proposed events benefit the whole community in remarkable ways – the free STI testing is an obvious example, but so are the academic lectures and cultural events. (Patricia Clough? As a soc major, can I just say, that’s AWESOME.)
I know we at Wesleyan tend to get very angry very quickly, but I urge Wesleying’s readers to channel that frustration. Instead of getting angry at the administration/SJB without knowing the facts, let’s try to find a way to react calmly, while still appreciating the fantastic events Eclectic throws every semester, and finding a way to help Eclectic continue doing so.
[edit 12:30am] Anna Wiener ’09 wrote a letter on AuralWes that clarifies what Alex wrote, and has more information about where to find the petition to sign. Definitely read that.
[edit by Sheek, 3/3, 2:15 pm] An online petition is also up, sign it!
I wasn’t SJB’d last semester…-eclectic member
I wasn’t SJB’d last semester…
-eclectic member
Is anybody listening? If you punish Eclectic, then Eclectic has PAY ALL THE BANDS WHO AGREED TO PLAY THERE.That’s a lot of money, (7k? 10k?) and it is gonna come out of your student activities – it’s your ass, so pick a side.
Is anybody listening? If you punish Eclectic, then Eclectic has PAY ALL THE BANDS WHO AGREED TO PLAY THERE.
That’s a lot of money, (7k? 10k?) and it is gonna come out of your student activities – it’s your ass, so pick a side.
12:17SJB members from last semester know that too-Scott Backer
12:17
SJB members from last semester know that too
-Scott Backer
@ 11:56You’re missing the point. Yes, parties hosted at eclectic are associated with noise complaints. But maybe the SJB doesn’t realize it’s not the house that is responsible, it’s the hosts. I know of one host who was prohibited from having more shows for a semester b/c they all had violations. That’s the way to handle this. Shutting down the venue is like closing down a public square because some dudes decide to piss in the fountain. I don’t care what eclectic members do; they’re not the ones hosting the events.Also who the fuck are you to say that eclectic members have all been sjb’d? No one has access to that information, unless Scott Backer is writing on this. If he is, dude needs to get a life.
@ 11:56
You’re missing the point. Yes, parties hosted at eclectic are associated with noise complaints. But maybe the SJB doesn’t realize it’s not the house that is responsible, it’s the hosts. I know of one host who was prohibited from having more shows for a semester b/c they all had violations. That’s the way to handle this. Shutting down the venue is like closing down a public square because some dudes decide to piss in the fountain. I don’t care what eclectic members do; they’re not the ones hosting the events.
Also who the fuck are you to say that eclectic members have all been sjb’d? No one has access to that information, unless Scott Backer is writing on this. If he is, dude needs to get a life.
12:14 -> 11:57
12:14 -> 11:57
11:56pm is wrong. Not even close to every member of Eclectic was SJB’d last semester, and many members have clean records. Get facts straight before slandering peers, pls.
11:56pm is wrong. Not even close to every member of Eclectic was SJB’d last semester, and many members have clean records. Get facts straight before slandering peers, pls.
Actually, if they eliminate eclectic entirely the house gets turned into dorms as it is Wesleyan propertyEclectic better watch their asses
Actually, if they eliminate eclectic entirely the house gets turned into dorms as it is Wesleyan property
Eclectic better watch their asses
FUCK SCOTT BACKER
FUCK SCOTT BACKER
Let’s get drunk, eat dinner at Usdan, instigate food fights and vomit in protest!
Let’s get drunk, eat dinner at Usdan, instigate food fights and vomit in protest!
Shutting down all events for the rest of the semester doesn’t just punish Eclectic, it punishes the entire campus.Eclectic is unmatched as a consistent venue for events at Wesleyan. If this is how the SJB plans to sanction them for whatever infractions were made, it shows pretty poor foresight – there’s no benefit for anybody in this ban. I’m sure there are other ways to sanction an organization when it gets in trouble.Wait for more facts if you want, but unless you’re a total shut-in on weekends, sign the petition.
lets just take over mocon and throw shows there.
Shutting down all events for the rest of the semester doesn’t just punish Eclectic, it punishes the entire campus.
Eclectic is unmatched as a consistent venue for events at Wesleyan. If this is how the SJB plans to sanction them for whatever infractions were made, it shows pretty poor foresight – there’s no benefit for anybody in this ban. I’m sure there are other ways to sanction an organization when it gets in trouble.
Wait for more facts if you want, but unless you’re a total shut-in on weekends, sign the petition.
lets just take over mocon and throw shows there.
successful troll is successful
successful troll is successful
“bullshit events?”shut up. i’ve seen some of the best shows of my life at eclectic over the past two years. plus if you actually read the post, the issue isn’t the kids in eclectic or even events like sex party– it’s that the best venue for student activities on campus of all kinds is being given the shaft.in other news, fuck the SJB. yes, enforcement of the code of non-academic conduct is generally important, but they’re only a voice for the administration to execute their policies under the guise of “peer evaluation.” they have no sense practical sanctioning. (yes, embittered over an excessive sanction I received, and rightfully so.)
“bullshit events?”
shut up. i’ve seen some of the best shows of my life at eclectic over the past two years. plus if you actually read the post, the issue isn’t the kids in eclectic or even events like sex party– it’s that the best venue for student activities on campus of all kinds is being given the shaft.
in other news, fuck the SJB. yes, enforcement of the code of non-academic conduct is generally important, but they’re only a voice for the administration to execute their policies under the guise of “peer evaluation.” they have no sense practical sanctioning. (yes, embittered over an excessive sanction I received, and rightfully so.)
SHUT DOWN DKE THEN
SHUT DOWN DKE THEN
they can’t shut down Beta – they’re unaffiliated with the university
they can’t shut down Beta – they’re unaffiliated with the university
To clarify, that’s members living in the chapter house
To clarify, that’s members living in the chapter house
Here are the facts:1. Every member of Eclectic was SJB’d last semester2. The house is on probationary status as a program house 3. There have been frequent noise complaint violations within the span of the past month. It wasn’t over just one party
Here are the facts:
1. Every member of Eclectic was SJB’d last semester
2. The house is on probationary status as a program house
3. There have been frequent noise complaint violations within the span of the past month.
It wasn’t over just one party
Lots of Eclectic’s events ARE out of control. It’s undeniable.Still, I think we all need to hear from SJB before getting too militant about whatever position we take, like Mad said.Things like lectures, STI testing, public service, etc. shouldn’t be shut down, surely…
Lots of Eclectic’s events ARE out of control. It’s undeniable.
Still, I think we all need to hear from SJB before getting too militant about whatever position we take, like Mad said.
Things like lectures, STI testing, public service, etc. shouldn’t be shut down, surely…
@11:43 anon, cool it asshole. Sorry some boys wear tight pants.
@11:43 anon, cool it asshole. Sorry some boys wear tight pants.
eclectic has be rowdy more that once this semester. seriously guys. i’m going to miss some of their events, but a lot of their shit gets out of control.
eclectic has be rowdy more that once this semester. seriously guys. i’m going to miss some of their events, but a lot of their shit gets out of control.
@ 11:42:”disrespect for the entire community and their bullshit ‘events.'”i’m sorry but what the FUCK are you talking about?? because people dress a certain way that instantly equals disrespect for the community? there are events at eclectic three nights a week in order to prevent the rest of us from committing suicide from boredom. please. explain what is so offensively bad about a place that provides you and everyone else with free entertainment. please. and mad joy, those are the facts. they actually did punish us over noise complaints.
@ 11:42:
“disrespect for the entire community and their bullshit ‘events.'”
i’m sorry but what the FUCK are you talking about?? because people dress a certain way that instantly equals disrespect for the community? there are events at eclectic three nights a week in order to prevent the rest of us from committing suicide from boredom. please. explain what is so offensively bad about a place that provides you and everyone else with free entertainment. please.
and mad joy, those are the facts. they actually did punish us over noise complaints.
No truth was stretched and Alex isn’t the head of Eclectic. Other people, (yes, even some non-members, believe it or not!) enjoy the concerts and parties immensely, even if they don’t personally like the members. It’s easy to get righteously indignant about “hipster assholes,” but consider that Eclectic is the primary (and very easily arguably best) free venue and space on campus. So they make noise sometimes. Sorry. So does the rest of campus. Sign the petition!
No truth was stretched and Alex isn’t the head of Eclectic. Other people, (yes, even some non-members, believe it or not!) enjoy the concerts and parties immensely, even if they don’t personally like the members. It’s easy to get righteously indignant about “hipster assholes,” but consider that Eclectic is the primary (and very easily arguably best) free venue and space on campus. So they make noise sometimes. Sorry. So does the rest of campus. Sign the petition!
If that’s the case, and that’s the whole story, then no. But I don’t feel comfortable that that’s necessarily the whole story without hearing from people other than Eclectic members. It seems really fishy to me that this punishment would result from one party’s noise violations. If that’s true, that seems pretty fucked to me.Unfortunately, I don’t think the SJB talks about their cases, which are all confidential and stuff :(
If that’s the case, and that’s the whole story, then no. But I don’t feel comfortable that that’s necessarily the whole story without hearing from people other than Eclectic members. It seems really fishy to me that this punishment would result from one party’s noise violations. If that’s true, that seems pretty fucked to me.
Unfortunately, I don’t think the SJB talks about their cases, which are all confidential and stuff :(
Yeah because the email from the head of eclectic has no motivation to stretch the truth behind the reason for this decision, right?In other news, fuck eclectic. I’ve had it with their absolute disrespect for the entire community and their bullshit “events.”
Yeah because the email from the head of eclectic has no motivation to stretch the truth behind the reason for this decision, right?
In other news, fuck eclectic. I’ve had it with their absolute disrespect for the entire community and their bullshit “events.”
The violation was over noise complaints that occurred on a single night in December. Do you think that warrants the cancellation of countless shows, parties, lectures, exhibits, etc? Does that warrant the SBC losing thousands of dollars previously allocated to student groups putting on events?
The violation was over noise complaints that occurred on a single night in December. Do you think that warrants the cancellation of countless shows, parties, lectures, exhibits, etc? Does that warrant the SBC losing thousands of dollars previously allocated to student groups putting on events?