Divert the responsibility
Issue date: 10/7/08 Section: Editorials
The Licking County Diversion Program sounds great in theory, but in practice, it leaves something to be desired.
It's a given that college students will make mistakes, and it's unfortunate that those mistakes sometimes involve legal interference.
The idea behind the Diversion Program is a good one, because it provides a student with an opportunity to admit to his or her crime and receive one "get out of jail free card."
But entrance to the Diversion Program comes with the responsibility to steer clear of legal trouble and atone for past mistakes.
After reading weeks of crime reports here in the newsroom, we find it hard to understand why so many Denison students continue to be accepted into the program.
Many Denison students need to remember they are not exempt from the law because they are privileged.
The Diversion Program was not created as a safety net, but rather a considerate option for first-time offenders.
As always, responsibility is the main issue.
As long as students are responsible with their actions, the program will do its job.
It's a given that college students will make mistakes, and it's unfortunate that those mistakes sometimes involve legal interference.
The idea behind the Diversion Program is a good one, because it provides a student with an opportunity to admit to his or her crime and receive one "get out of jail free card."
But entrance to the Diversion Program comes with the responsibility to steer clear of legal trouble and atone for past mistakes.
After reading weeks of crime reports here in the newsroom, we find it hard to understand why so many Denison students continue to be accepted into the program.
Many Denison students need to remember they are not exempt from the law because they are privileged.
The Diversion Program was not created as a safety net, but rather a considerate option for first-time offenders.
As always, responsibility is the main issue.
As long as students are responsible with their actions, the program will do its job.
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