On Monday, several backpacks were taken from the racks in Paresky Commons by three unidentified teenagers. The teenagers rifled through the contents of the bags. They emptied the cash from a wallet but left all other property, including laptops, untouched.
Andover students often forget that they do not exist inside a literal “Andover Bubble.” People from the larger world can walk onto campus as they please, and they are often invited to take advantage of Andover’s public resources.
The Academy makes a point to emphasize that students feel safe. On the whole, this generalization holds true: boarders feel comfortable keeping their rooms unlocked, leaving backpacks in Commons or venturing away from their laptops and books in the library. The safe environment of Andover allows students to do so, and they are right to feel at ease.
Students must remember, however, that members of the general public sometimes come to campus with malicious intentions. Unguarded possessions are a valuable target. With that in mind, students should take extra care to make sure that their belongings are safe and accounted for.
With Andover/Exeter tomorrow, campus will be filled with visitors. The natural response is to be trusting and welcoming of strangers. This is representative of Andover’s values, and it is proper that Andover welcomes Exeter to campus with open arms.
But in doing so, Andover must remember that others may be on campus as well. Students should remember to stay aware.
This Editorial represents the views of The Phillipian Editorial Board CXXXV.
