As a former resident assistant I can understand why Residence Life took the actions they did against Ingrid Perez. Do I agree or disagree? That is neither here nor there. Following the rules set forth by the university and setting a good example for your residents is extremely important. I remember asking my hall's coordinator if she thought that hanging my "Absolut New Jersey" vodka advertisement on my door would be appropriate. Although she never said yes or no, she said that I should try to set an example reflecting the goals and purposes of the Residence Life program.

Many may remember the fire in Jordan Hall a few years ago that completely destroyed a room. Or the Seton Hall University fire in which some of my friends were injured. Would anyone here want something that bad to happen at Penn State? And yes, Mr. Maruer, in your letter last week, there are candle police and candle rules. Maybe the rules are different now than from when you attended PSU, but wouldn't you have liked to live in a safe environment?

The purpose and goal of the RA program is to set positive examples and be good leaders. I enjoyed my time as an RA, and I think my residents had a positive experience, and a safe environment to live in. If my residents saw me breaking rules -- and I remember the fire safety one being drilled into our minds as our dorm had a fully functioning kitchen -- what good example would I have set? I wouldn't have.