Come on, feel the non-noise

There is sometimes a perception, created by the disillusioned, the cynical and the apathetic, that the IU Student Association does nothing for students.\nWe're glad to say this is not one of those times.\nIn fact, we'd like to extend kudos to the IUSA for a recent advertising blitz informing students of their rights and obligations as Bloomington citizens regarding the "Quiet Nights Initiative." \nProposed by Mayor John Fernandez, Bloomington launched the initiative two years ago and included in that year's budget an additional $60,000 funding to help reduce late-night noise in city neighborhoods.\nFernandez said then, "Part of being a good neighbor is not intruding on your neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of their own home."\nThe Indiana Daily Student reported that, according to IU Student Body President Casey Cox, some students have voiced complaints about the ordinance, citing bias against students in city politics and unfair targeting by the Bloomington Police Department.\nHe also described current literature on "Quiet Nights Initiative" as "very wordy" and said IUSA's pamphlets, given out to off-campus students, are more student-oriented.\nSome students may feel they are actually being targeted for alcohol consumption through the disguise of the "Quiet Nights Initiative," so we believe it's important for students to know their rights and responsibilities in order to avoid penalties.\nUnder the ordinance, for any noise heard beyond the limits of their property from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., tenants can face an official warning, a $50 fine or a charge of disorderly conduct (a class B misdemeanor arrest, which carries with it up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine). Excessive noises from motor vehicles from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. are also prohibited in the ordinance.\nCox says the campaign is part of an ongoing effort to improve the relationship between students and other residents of the community. \nStudent education on the issue is not only beneficial to students, who, if they party within the boundaries will avoid punishment, but beneficial to local police officers. It's very costly to dedicate normal street patrols to keep tabs on noise violations when at any given point in the evening there may be other urgent and important public safety matters officers need to address.\nThough the "Quiet Nights" ordinance is not an IUSA policy, it's certainly within reason and almost an expectation for the IUSA to respond. After all, this is the kind of thing we elect a student government to do: to look out for our own interests.