Ponds on the campus of California State University, Stanislaus are home to small populations of catfish, small turtles and more recently, tables belonging to student life organizations.
According to multiple student witnesses, recent acts of vandalism have been committed against Greek life and student organization tables located in the quad. These acts of vandalism include: throwing a student organization table into a campus pond, defecating on top of one table and spray painting graffiti and gang slogans onto others.
The CSU Stanislaus police department has received two separate reports of vandalism in the last two weeks. According to the reports, on Oct. 3, the Finance Association was subject to vandalism and a just a day before, the Greek organization, Tau Kappa Epsilon also reported damage to their property.
President of Greek Life United and member of Theta Chi Fraternity, Chris Netniss sees these acts as something that will not be coming to a stop soon unless some sort of disciplinary action is taken.
“There have been a lot of problems in the quad,” Netniss said. “This is not something that is going to stop anytime soon. The only way to prevent this is to implement some sort of punishment.”
For Netniss, this is the fourth incident of vandalism directed towards his own fraternity, Theta Chi.
“I’m not pointing any fingers, but some type of punishment needs to be applied. In the chartering paperwork, it says we are protected,” Netniss said.
However, according to the booth contract provided by the Student Leadership Development office, “structures are placed on the campus at the risk of the sponsoring organization.”
Representatives at the office of Student Leadership and Development are also addressing these recent slews of vandalism.
“This is an ongoing investigation and will be contacting student groups in the near future,” Alissa Aragon, New Student Orientation Coordinator & Student Organization Advisor said.
Both Aragon and Tiffany Gelbaum, Greek Life Programs Advisor & Leadership Coordinator, are actively seeking solutions to address the problem.
“We do sympathize with these groups,” Darling said. “We are looking for solutions that are student driven.”
Some students proposed solutions that include cameras and more extensive security measures.
For other members of Greek organizations, this sort of a vandalism plays as a direct means of disrespect for members in student organizations. Sophomore Jerelle Wilson, who is a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity on campus, condemns the recent attacks.
“Our booths, which are a representation of who we are and hard work are being trashed,” Wilson (sophomore, English) said.
“This action is not the route to take to prove anything except that human indecency still exists.”
Despite this fiasco, student leaders are still advocating for diplomatic efforts in order to solve this problem.
“The goal is to bring Greek unity on campus, not retaliation,” concluded Netniss.
Further investigations are still currently taking place. For more information on the reported incidents please contact the University Police Department.