Dorm lounges all look the same, smell the same and feel the same because they are all extensions of the same institution that controls them, Middlebury College. But let’s face it, that model failed with the true commons system. In theory, they act as a communal room for a residence hall where people come together to study, relax and talk late into the night. Dorm lounges could be considered a form of shared public space. A distinction must be made between shared space (on the public end of the spectrum) and student space. I do not suggest that we need more private spaces on this campus that would be counter-productive to our objectives as students.

To varying degrees, our campus is comprised of public space… but it doesn’t have to be. I relate to my home (space with layered meaning and responsibility) differently than I relate to public space. I wouldn’t harm it, but I wouldn’t necessarily put myself in significant discomfort to protect it, whereas in my home, where I am responsible for space not only for myself but also for my family, I go to great lengths to prevent harm and stop harm once initiated. In general, that is how I relate to all public space.

I wouldn’t intentionally vandalize it because I value it and I value our community. Ask yourself, was the person who vandalized your social house or dormitory last Saturday night responsible for the space they damaged? Were you? Am I responsible for my dirty dishes in the dining hall? Sure, the costs of irresponsible behaviors get passed on monetarily through tuition and fees but is that the only way to quantify their costs? Unfortunately, those are the only costs that really seem to matter in this community, because quite honestly, space doesn’t have a lot of meaning. I define student space as space for which students are responsible.

Middlebury struggle session