EDITORIAL: The Safe Track

We hope the UniversityWe hope the Universitycommunity will enjoy thisWe hope the Universitycommunity will enjoy thisyear's Penn Relays, but stayWe hope the Universitycommunity will enjoy thisyear's Penn Relays, but staysafe in the process.We hope the Universitycommunity will enjoy thisyear's Penn Relays, but staysafe in the process._____________________________ We encourage the entire University community to attend the Relays and experience the excitement and energy that these great athletes generate. It is a true spectacle. Studying for finals should not prevent students from attending at least part of the gala. On a more somber note, we also hope that the participants celebrating the Relays this weekend will remain in control and be safe. Last year, the Relays were tarnished by spontaneous parties which turned violent, resulting in gunshots, stabbings, property damage and students being pulled out of cars and beaten. We ask the University to increase police presence this weekend in an attempt to avoid last year's unfortunate incidents. The annual Superblock party should end at 1:30 a.m., just as the Spring Fling block parties did, so local residents can get to sleep. And Escort Services and Walking Escort should maximize their services to ensure that students can travel around campus safely. Allied guards should pay special attention to mass parties that can get wild. Students should not feel threatened or be harassed walking through Superblock on their way home. Finally, we hope that Penn Watch will work on Friday and Saturday nights so that one more preventative layer is added in the fight against potential violence. If violence is avoided, Penn Relays can be an event like none other, featuring both world class athletes and bright-eyed, up-and-coming stars. It is unfortunate that the University does not do more to promote this event to students. In the future, students should be made aware that they can gain free admission with their PennCard before the weekend events, and that intramural races exist solely for University students. We hope that this weekend is enjoyable and safe for everyone.