Park Residents Charged for Damaged Dryers

By Broadside News Editor Asma Chaudhary

Due to vandalism to clothes dryers, students will be individually charged $1.12 to their accounts, according to a recent e-mail sent out by Erin Brandt, a resident director to dorm residents in Presidents Park last Wednesday. The estimation of the damage is $1,300 and because no one took responsibility for the crime, the entire community involved will have to pay a fine.

In addition, according to the “Guide to Pride,” when an incident occurs like this, “residents of an individual room or residence community will be required to share the expense of repairing or replacing damaged/vandalized property.”

This information can be found on page 26 of the guide, which said, “Common area damage will also be divided among the residents and assessed to each individual student account.”

Brandt said, “Due to the abundance of e-mails we've received thus far today, it is clear that a large portion of you may have questions regarding the notice you received today that alerted you to the $1.12 charge on your account for vandalism to the dryers in Lincoln Hall.”

Although it was not specified in the e-mail the exact damage to the dryers, witness accounts report that the glass from the dryer doors were either punched or kicked out. In doing so, not only are the dryers damaged but they are also inoperable and would require replacements with new dryer units.

“The laundry rooms in Lincoln Hall, specifically the dryers were damaged and it cost the university approximately $1,300 dollars to repair them including labor and materials,” Brandt said.

Brandt said, “I hope this clears up any questions you may have as to why you were billed. Please refrain from further e-mails as appeals will not be granted.”

The e-mail concluded with advice for students who are involved with the incident, particularly those being charged the fine on their accounts.

“Thank you for your cooperation, please settle the outstanding charges with student accounts at your convenience,” Brandt said.