It breaks my heart to see current students tearing apart the town that I love. I attended Palmerfest as an undergrad; my husband's band played it during our senior year. We get it. We understand what it means. What happened this past weekend, however, is shameful and contrary to the spirit of the fests.
To the students who participated and showed disrespect for the name of the school and the residents of Athens: You do not have a right to be ridiculous when it incites riotous behavior that threatens the safety of those nearby. You do not have the right to sully the name of a school that thousands love and respect. Real people live in Athens. You are a blip on its screen. Grow up and recognize the gift that is Athens, the gift of your college years.
Lori Bedell is a 1990 alumna of Ohio University and writes from State College, Pa.
4 Opinion
Letter to the Editor
