The Ethicist

Author: Amanda Greene

I arrived on campus early this fall because I was a MiddView orientation leader. The student parking stickers had not yet arrived and public safety was giving students temporary parking passes. The temporary passes expired on Sept. 10 and students were notified via e-mail of the arrival of the permanent stickers.

I, caught up in the business of the beginning of the semester, picked up my parking sticker but forgot to adhere it to my back window. I received a $25 ticket on Sept. 11, the day after the sticker had expired. It seems to me, in this situation, that Public Safety's willingness to ticket for such a minor violation, in such close proximity to the temporary stickers expiration date, was a bit harsh. I was parked in the correct parking lot and had clearly registered my vehicle with Public Safety.

I understand that my temporary permit had technically expired, but in this situation, a bit of leniency would have reflected more positively on the College. I felt that I was being penalized for volunteering to return early and help the first-years acclimate to Middlebury. Those who arrived on Sept. 6 initially received the permanent stickers and did not have to deal with the risk of getting ticketed. The fine, at $25, was a big hit. I felt, appropriately, shortchanged.

And now for this week's question:

Q: As a member of a varsity sports team, I'm responsible for hosting prospective athletes. Last weekend my "prospie" informed me that she doesn't drink and that she doesn't like being in situations where alcohol is consumed. I brought her to a few parties, so she could experience the Middlebury social scene. I wanted to expose my prospie to college and to show her that parties are social and do not have to revolve around alcohol. Was it wrong of me to bring my prospie to a party where alcohol was served? Should I have forgone my own plans and stayed in because of my prospie's preferences?

- Anxious Athlete

A: An evaluation of your actions in this situation depends on how you raised the issue of going out, and your prospie's comfort level. If your prospie simply needed to be assured that she would not be pressured to drink and was willing to go out once her fears were assuaged, then your acted appropriately. If your prospie emphasized that she really didn't feel comfortable around alcohol and you brought her out anyway, then you acted irresponsibly. If at any moment your prospie felt uncomfortable, then you were not fulfilling your responsibility as a host. As a host, you are expected to consider your guest's wishes before your own.

Want to consult the ethicist? Send submissions to amgreene@middlebury.edu.