In an age when the Michigan economy is in tatters, is it really wise to punish those who contribute to one of the few shining sectors — education? After being kind enough to bring thousands of dollars to the local economy, these students are rewarded with chemical weapons, rubber pellets and expulsion over a few beer bottles and bared breasts.

Instead of severely punishing the revelers at Cedar Fest, East Lansing officials would be smart to put them in charge of making it an official, regulated annual festival with local rock bands and security guards. Then, festival organizers could use the funds to pay for badly needed infrastructure improvements in the city.