The Observer, September 22, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 4
"Expression Wall" met with skepticism, concern
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During the first week of the new school year, while students prepared themselves for the semester, foundations of a different kind were being laid on campus.
A large white wall was constructed during the week of Aug. 27 behind Thwing Center without any indication of what purpose it served.
While speculation in regard to the wall was abundant, the first clear information concerning the structure was announced during the USG meeting on Sept. 5.
Vice President of Development Myles Nickolich reported that, "it is a wall that is intended for use as some type of student advertising system." This would imply that it could be painted on with notice of student events and other information in the same vein as the spirit rock near the Silver Spartan Diner.
Nickolich has since learned from the administration that the wall, officially known as an "expression wall," is indeed to be used for this purpose. The planning for it had been ongoing since the idea was conceived last spring. However, there was a miscommunication in the order to construct the wall, and it was essentially built without the planning stage being completed and approved. Nevertheless, the wall has been completed and is available for its original intent – to be a "graffiti wall" for students.
The spirit rock was also originally intended for such a purpose, but since the sudden death of Ignacio Ocasio in spring 2005, it has spent the last year and a half being largely painted as an unofficial memorial to him. Many on campus still feel that this was appropriate.
"I didn't know [Doc Oc], but it seems like he meant a lot to a lot of people here. I don't see what's wrong with using the rock for that," said student Aaron Miller.
The spirit rock is currently no longer a testament to Doc Oc, but it still remains a memorial. As of this week the rock reflected the loss of Steve Irwin, the "Crocodile Hunter."
However, students are still wary of painting over what has been left alone for so long. A larger wall to devote to student events could appease those who thought twice about painting over the rock memorial.
Some think the new wall is a poor substitute.
"I am quite concerned that this was done without any student input whatsoever… I don't even believe it can ever be a permanent fixture," wrote James Chang on his blog.
Some problems with the wall are currently being addressed. The wall reaches 13 feet at its highest point, meaning that for the top of the wall to be painted, a ladder would have to be used. The ground at the base of the wall is not level, however, creating a potential safety hazard. A catwalk is being planned to eliminate this problem.
In addition, the fact that there is space between the expression wall and Thwing raised security concerns. It was pointed out that someone could potentially be concealed behind the wall. The panels of the wall that reach the ground will be removed so the feet of anyone hiding would be visible.
There are also those who feel that the wall can be a success – both as a compromise and through its own merits.
"It looks like a lot of the problems will be worked out," said freshman Peter Yoon. "I think that it's big enough to let students get the word out. It's much bigger than the rock."
Rules are currently being drafted by the Student Executive Council for the use of the wall, particularly to ensure that graffiti is visible for a minimum amount of time.
It is expected that the wall will only be allowed to be painted between midnight and 6 a.m., and that certain other guidelines will be in place to address the issue of student graffiti being quickly painted over.
A lack of rules didn't stop Delta Gamma from christening the wall over the Sept. 9 weekend. Vacant no more, the wall's first advertisement sported a maritime theme to promote the upcoming Anchor Splash.
