Shh! This is a library. No, wait, it's the city of East Lansing. City officials just can't seem to realize that East Lansing is a college town and that a good number of the population is fun-loving students.
On Tuesday, the East Lansing City Council approved increased fines for noise violations.
A party with the combination of any two party indicators could mean students fork over $500-1,000 in fines.
Indicators include a party with kegs, live entertainment, a fee to enter the house, music from speakers placed or directed outside the building and more than one person on the property for every 20 square feet of space.
The old noise ordinance charged $175 for a civil infraction or misdemeanor fines of $250 for a first violation, $350 for a second violation and $500 for the third. These conditions still exist if only one party indicator is present.
Time after time, the city's misguided efforts of trying to make East Lansing into a safe, quiet town are actually taking away students' freedom to enjoy themselves.
In a place that has more than 45,000 people, there's bound to be somebody making noise somewhere. We understand that noise ordinances are needed.
They ensure safety of overcrowding and improve the quality of life for everyone.
But the city's recent efforts go too far. It seems the city is run by five elected librarians who wish students celebrate football Saturdays in silence.
These changes encourage more clashing between officials and students as we continue to heal from the spring rioting.
One has to question what the goal of the city is - whether it's to make streets quieter or to cash in on students before the snow comes.
Council members also have to keep in mind that many landlords charge occupants for each noise violation.
If the occupants of a house get a violation from the city, they'll have to pay even more money or possibly face an eviction. Students are already paying enough in tuition bills and rent.
The University Student Commission asked the council to postpone voting on the ordinance until the next meeting on Sept. 16 so members of the commission and council could work together to solve the issue.
Going forward with the vote shows blatant disrespect for the commission and for the students they are trying to represent.
Although the commission's efforts are admirable, it should not be the only group in this battle. ASMSU, MSU's undergraduate student government, needs to step up and do what it is there to do - represent MSU students in matters such as these.
Fraternity and sorority houses are not immune to this new ordinance. The Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils, the governing boards for fraternities and sororities that operate from houses in the city, also need to stand up for their houses.
Council meetings are open to the public. It's time to make some noise that needs to be heard.
