Our centerpiece story today talks about an Athens task force focused on removing graffiti throughout the city. We understand society has myriad opinions on graffiti; though some see it as an act of art, others view it as vandalism.
It was a topic that sparked much debate on this page in April 2012, when our opinion page was filled with letters in support and in opposition of graffiti after a Post columnist wrote a column embracing graffiti, saying it “makes the world more colorful and a little more badass.”
At its worst, vandalism can cost an offender more than $150,000 and up to a year in prison, according to Ohio Revised Code.
We appreciate small acts of graffiti. For example, the light that illuminates the stairs outside Baker University Center has two googly eyes on it to make it resemble a face. The Ellis Hall restrooms play host to countless scribblings, most of which are aimed at brightening one’s day.
Yet other acts of graffiti, such as male genitalia adorning the stalls in Baker Center, don’t inspire the same good feelings.
Both the city and Ohio University have made attempts to keep Athens clean. An Athens city ordinance passed in 2008 requires residents to remove graffiti from private residence, and in February 2012, a new university policy went into effect to monitor who can chalk and where on campus.
We are glad the city’s Target Athens Graffiti task force is making our city look cleaner. We believe there is a specific place for students to tag and place graffiti: the corner of Mulberry Street and Richland Avenue, also known as the Graffiti Wall. We’d prefer students to make their mark on the 20-foot walls that exist there for the specific purpose of street art.
On another note, Ohio University will hold its second Campus Conversation tomorrow. The event was created to raise awareness about sexual assault risk reduction.
Just as last month’s was, the event will be open-ended and will allow participants to engage with one another and ask questions.
The event’s goal is to make students more aware of how to be an active bystander and will give students tips on how to give and receive proper consent. The event even has workshops and guest speakers.
We think it is something students should consider attending, especially in light of the public sex act that occurred Uptown during Homecoming Weekend.
We support the university in deciding to hold these events and think dialogue is essential so we can move forward. It won’t be an easy process, but it is a good start.
Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors.
This article appeared in print under the headline "City strives to clean graffiti, image."
