Editorial: Equal punishments needed

Staff Editorial
Mar. 4, 2004, Page 6

Lately Resident Assistants have been getting themselves into trouble. Last semester an RA got in trouble with a credit card. This semester, a joyride caused problems. Both of these incidences involved students using something that did not belong to them. Both students were punished, but in very different ways.
It seems that when it comes to handing out punishments, Doane lets some people slide and throws the book at others. Why should one former RA be held up to a higher standard than the other?
The punishment should fit the crime. If it’s a serious offense, it should come with a stiff penalty.
Punishments should be judged by this standard, not who the person was, how many responsibilities they held or other miscellaneous factors. Some of the brightest people have done bad deeds. While some of the focus should be on past history, the majority of focus should remain on the current situation.
One student was accused of a Class III Misdemeanor. The other was accused of a Class IV Felony. A felony is a much more serious breach of the law than a misdemeanor. It would be reasonable to conclude that someone accused of a felony would face more severe consequences than someone accused of a misdemeanor.
Having to deal with any kind of breach in conduct is difficult, especially when it involves students that were believed to be bright and capable. Personal biases for or against these students should not play a factor. Students should be dealt with as the administrator would treat an accused stranger.
Justice is symbolized by a balanced scale for a reason. At Doane, why does it seem that the scale’s balace depends on who’s being weighed?