n Once I got over the shock of finally seeing a new Guest Policy (“Elmore presents liberal Guest Policy,” Mar. 1, p. 1), a thorough review of its contents showed the same Boston University bureaucratic tint present in all BU policies. I think the new Guest Policy is good, but one theme pervades it: money. The Guest Policy appears to be built on an undergraduate fee tier system – the more you pay, the more rights you have. It starts at the top with the on-campus residents. These housing-fee-paying students get all of the privileges, especially the coveted ability to swipe in until 2 a.m. Next comes the off-campus students who still have meal plans. They still pay BU something so they are given dining hall swipe-in privileges, but nothing more. However, their rights tower over those of off-campus students with no dining plan. These students must be signed in at all times, the same as non-BU students. In essence, off-campus residents have the same rights as someone who does not even go to this school. Sure, we all love the idea of a new Guest Policy, but look at the underlying message. You are what you pay. And if I somehow have failed to persuade you, consider this: Why is there a parking lot right in the middle of our campus that offers parking for more than $300 a month and not perhaps an outdoor study area for students?

Tom Lemmo ENG ’08