Letters
This month, we received two letters from University of Minnesota students who went through the Restorative Justice Community Action (RCJA) process after being cited for livability crimes in Southeast Minneapolis. Through the program, such offenders perform community service in the neighborhoods in which they offend, and they meet with the residents who are affected, in order to understand how their individual actions impact the surrounding community.
Help to make U of M a better place
I became involved with the Restorative Justice Community Action program after I was cited for a minor consumption and later a public urination violation. I attended a party in Dinkytown with a few of my fellow friends in early September. After a long but exciting night, the party got busted by Minneapolis police and everyone at the party received a minor consumption violation. On our way back to our apartment, my roommate and I were both struck with the overwhelming urge to go to the bathroom. Being still a fair distance from our apartment and obviously intoxicated, we decided that it would be best to jump into some bushes near Williams Arena and relieve ourselves there. Upon this happening, the University of Minnesota Police spotted me in the bushes and issued me a public urination violation.
I feel that my actions have greatly disappointed many in the surrounding community. Not only did I deface my own school’s property, but I have given a sour name to all my fellow students who have done well for our community and university. I have given the impression of the stereotypical college student to all those who are onlookers. This is the thing that I regret the most because there are so many students who are producing many different positive things for everyone on this campus, and what I did pushed all their hard work back to ground zero.
As a result of my poor actions, I have agreed with various community members and the RJCA supervisors to complete 16 hours of community service. I have worked at the University Recycling Center. I felt that after I publicly defaced this beautiful campus, I should become involved in some way of trying to restore some of its hidden beauty. After working with the individuals at the Recycling Center, I have a greater appreciation for the job that they do in helping make this university a better place. Sure, it may not be the most glamorous job, but that does not make it any less important.
After becoming involved with the Restorative Justice Community Action program, I have honestly realized that even though I am just one student among thousands, every single decision that I make not only affects myself, but anyone that is tied into the university. If I can help others learn from my mistakes, the program is a true testament to helping make the community of the University of Minnesota a better place.
— Jordan Lofgren, University of Minnesota
Think about actions, respect surroundings
Many people make mistakes throughout life, and that is a given fact. The one thing that needs to come out of these errors is some sort of personal growth, whether it is as simple as learning from the mistake itself. Just recently, I received a citation for underage drinking. If it wasn’t for my getting caught, I might have ended up drinking underage time and time again, thinking that it wasn’t a problem for the community as a whole. Even though the residence in which the party took place did not belong to me, I should have respected my community and realized the true effect that this party had. In addition to receiving the citation, I had the opportunity to enroll in a restorative justice program to offset the fine with an alternative that would ensure both giving back to the community and personal development. Overall, this citation got me thinking about the consequences of my actions and how I could have prevented the situation.
As many people know, every year thousands of underage students consume alcohol, and it is almost impossible to prevent. However, the place, environment, and community in which they do drink can be monitored and regulated. This is why I feel that the rules and regulations that are present within our community are needed. If people were allowed to run wild while under the influence, chaos could occur due to the lack of order. The community itself would no longer be a place in which college students can do what they primarily came here to do, and that is to study and achieve a degree. It is a benefit that we have these rules in place at the University of Minnesota.
A perfect community is somewhat rather hard to come by, if not impossible. Although if people, as individuals, realize the harm that can possibly come out of every decision they make, it can greatly help neighborhoods as a whole. What I mean is that we need to think about our decisions before reacting irrationally and spontaneously. No matter how much you think that your actions are only affecting you they are affecting your peers around you. For example, if you decide to attend or host a party, you normally have the mentality that you are harming no one except yourself. Did you ever stop to think…“I wonder if the neighbors are OK with this?” “Who is going to clean up the mess left in the streets from drunken loiterers?” I know that I never really thought about any of this before following through with the restorative justice program. One decision, even a simple one, has the potential to affect many people indirectly.
The next time a situation where I have the opportunity to go out with friends for a night on the town, I will definitely think out every decision that I choose to make and who it may affect. In addition, I strongly suggest before anyone in our community throws a party to seek out your neighbors and simply tell them to let you know if your party is getting too loud. All it takes is a five-minute conversation to prevent many unwanted situations that could arise from a party which is intended for fun.
In conclusion, being caught drinking underage was, overall, a good thing. It put me into a situation that I needed to come across at some point. It was a good way to get me thinking about certain things, such as community living and personal decision-making. If I was to just pay the fine, I most likely would never truly realize the severity of some of my actions in terms of an effect on others. On that note, I strongly urge each and every student in the community to think about their actions and respect their surroundings. Let’s keep our neighborhoods in good shape so others in the future will be able to experience some of the same opportunities that we have.
— Scott Pavelich, Marcy-Holmes
last revised: February 12, 2008