Feature photo by Shawn Jones
By Shelby Woodward
An email was sent to residents of the Ross and Davidson residence halls on Feb. 9 at William Peace University warning students to be more responsible with shared spaces and trash, or risk community-wide fines.
The email, sent by Mary Platzer, associate director of Residence Life, addressed ongoing concerns about trash being left in residence hall hallways.
Platzer stated in the email:
“Trash that keeps being left in the hallways throughout both buildings has been an ongoing issue, and it ends today,” Platzer wrote, adding that “our housekeeping staff are not your maids.”
Leaving trash in hallways not only increases the workload for housekeeping staff but can also lead to health and safety concerns.
The email prompted reactions from students across campus, with some expressing surprise at the possibility of community-wide fines. Several students said they were shocked by the tone of the message and concerned about being held financially responsible for the actions of others.
In an interview, Kenna Dancy, a psychology major, expressed concern about the email regarding trash in the residence halls.
“I don’t think it’s fair that I get fined for other people’s trash,” Dancy said. “I’m responsible for my trash and my trash only.”
Some students said they should not be fined for the irresponsibility of others. Others noted that while they understand the need for accountability, they do not want to pay fines for trash left behind by other residents.
Students at William Peace University have also shared their thoughts about the email through a Google Forms survey. According to the survey, 76.5% of respondents said students should not be fined for failing to dispose of their trash properly.
Ruben Garcia, a survey respondent and simulation and game design major, shared why he believes students should not be fined.
“If students were to be fined for not properly disposing of their trash, I feel like there would be a large backlash from the student body,” Garcia said. “While we do have custodial staff, there should be personal accountability to keep our spaces clean.”
While many students expressed frustration, some acknowledged that trash in shared spaces has been an ongoing problem.
Hallways, stairwells and common areas are used daily by students, making cleanliness a shared responsibility.
Custodial staff play a key role in keeping the residence halls clean at Peace. Several students emphasized that maintaining cleanliness ultimately depends on individual behavior.
The email brought renewed attention to the importance of respecting shared spaces and the staff who maintain them.
As conversations continue across campus, students hope Residence Life will consider alternative solutions before enforcing fines.
Suggestions from students include increased access to trash disposal areas, clearer guidelines and targeted accountability for those responsible.
For now, the email has sparked a campus-wide discussion about responsibility, fairness and how shared living spaces should be maintained.
Moving forward, students hope the conversation leads to solutions that promote accountability without placing the burden on those who are already doing their part.