Dear Editor,This is the approved Motorcycle and Scooter Parking Policy:

This policy has been established to provide for increased safety of the campus community by restricting motorcycles and scooters from walkways and other public access areas. New motorcycle and scooter only parking has been established at strategic areas around campus as noted on the campus map. We will begin enforcing the new policy effective immediately. Warning notices will be given to any motorcycle or scooter that is illegally parked through June 19.

Below is my response to this new “policy”:

So now I cannot drive and park my 100-mile per gallon 49cc Scooter to Warf-Pickel Hall, even if I have a valid parking permit?

Does this make any sense at all?

I will find it easier and more convenient to drive my truck to school with this new policy and the stated reason is “safety?”

That is absurd.

If I have a valid parking permit, then why would I not be allowed to ‘at least’ park in a parking spot like anyone driving a car? This is anti-green and anti-student/faculty/staff. I truly think the administration needs to re-evaluate their position on this.

I appreciate the fact that special parking has been established for scooters and motorcycles, but if there are not enough in places to accommodate the entire campus, this policy is quite flawed and at best premature. I am very disappointed with the lack of foresight and consideration this new policy places on the students, faculty and staff of ETSU, not to mention the environment and morale.

I ask that this policy be recalled immediately until adequate resources can be established. I also ask that there be input from the student body in decisions like this in the future.

Resolutions like this should not be made in a vacuum by the administration. ETSU is first and foremost an institution that exists to serve the students; and I do not see how these kind of proclamations act to serve in the best interest of student in any way.

I also fail to see how safety and scooter parking are relevant, or how actual motorcycles can be forbidden from parking in regular parking spots as long as they are properly permitted.

-William Kai Stephanos

Author