Our View: SGA proposals spark debate in Herald office

The Student Government Association recently approved a resolution to prevent student access to Facebook, MySpace and YouTube Web sites on all Dean B. Ellis library computers the weeks before and during finals. The computers in the first floor computer lab would be excluded from those with restricted access.

We at The Herald are torn by this issue. As finals near we understand it is difficult to find a computer in the library to study on, and it is frustrating to see another student using a computer for recreation instead of academics. But does that warrant the actions being taken by the SGA?

Some of us at The Herald agree with the SGA, but others think a better solution could be proposed.

For one thing these Web sites can be used for more than just chatting with friends and goofing off. Some professors use these sites for class. Classmates host online discussions there. Not to mention, sometimes a short break is needed between study sessions.

Besides, restricting three Web sites isn't going to keep students from using the library's computers to surf other recreational sites.

Perhaps instead of restricting access to these sites, a rule could be made that would allow students who needed to use a computer for school to evict someone who is using it for merely recreation.

Either way, something needs to be done to ensure students are able to study. If some students are preventing others from studying by surfing these sites, they should be adult enough to give up their seat.

At least some of us at The Herald believe it shouldn't be someone else's responsibility to make sure we are doing what we are supposed to do.

We are in college, not high school, not junior high. We are adults and we should behave that way.