Balancing tradition and courtesy

Ah, Halloween.\nPumpkins, hay rides, cider, candy...toilet paper.\nThis basic household item an alternate use come October. Some students, on and off campus and in fraternities and sororities, use toilet paper to prank.\nParticularly massive amounts of toilet paper are used by greeks to decorate other greek houses. The toilet paper is thrown over the houses, through trees and all over front lawns.\nWhile this is a classic prank that doesn't seem to be a big deal, caution should be exercised with an activity that wastes paper resources, harms the environment and is an eyesore on this beautiful campus.\nWhile toilet papering greek houses is meant as a joke and is an IU tradition, it seems counterproductive for an institution that prides itself on philanthropy and a high standard of personal conduct to participate in such a childish prank. Greek philanthropic events in the past have supported environmental causes; it seems hypocritical to be wasteful of a resource and harm the environment, even in jest. Should the greek system toilet paper this year, we encourage them to clean it up immediately.\nIt only looks humorous for a day or two. After that, it becomes an eyesore. Toilet paper begins falling from the trees and starts flying around Bloomington. The weather takes over and destroys what was once a work of spirited "art." \nPapering a greek house helps carry out IU tradition. Times change, but some forms of expression can be timeless. \nBut do not harm the environment by letting such a traditional prank turn into a big mess.\nDo not let the houses on Jordan Avenue be messy when you have hundreds of children marching along in their costumes. Set a good example with clean houses to impress these kids on Halloween.\nAlso, houses that are on campus should remember that they should have a particularly high standard. Prospective students and distinguished guests and alumni visit campus daily. Don't make all students look immature just because your house is participating in pranking.\nBe sure to continue with greek traditions. Do not do so at the expense of the environment and decorum of the greek system.\n