The campus has rules and guidelines saying that public displays of affection (pda) are not allowed in certain settings.

According to Board Policy 6131.2, “Private conversations or inappropriate displays of affection” are considered to be a violation of the student conduct code and is also “disruptive behavior” in class.

We believe that there needs to be a rule that is very blatant and open about what you are and are not able to do on campus, or outside of class.

After a couple of hours of struggling to find even the smallest inkling relating to public displays of affection on the school website, there is really not much. The rules itself are very hazy and only consider classroom situations, in which instructors will be teaching or watching.

There are some tidbits about Board Policy 6131.2, but never anything more and consequences for indecency can only be acted upon if caught in class. Everything within the rule is situational, and not only that, there is nothing to be said about what can and cannot be done with your significant other outside of class.

Now if you have a boyfriend, or girlfriend, that’s great and all; but honestly, keep what you do in private to a private setting. In our opinion no one needs, or wants, to see you sucking on each other’s faces before class, or as we walk around campus.

A kiss goodbye, a big hug or even a whisper in your significant other’s ear saying that you’ll see them later would suffice. But fondling on your partner or grabbing/touching what should be touched in private at school is not what you want other people seeing.

The campus rules do not say whether or not things of that nature can be cited or stopped, even if called attention to. A police officer may stop something that seems to be harassment; but there needs to be a line for sexual indecency, or what we consider is “private.”

There are some exceptional moments that can occur on campus, and we strongly believe there should be a much better way to inform students, and faculty, that these things should be done in private.

We’re not saying that couples should not be allowed on campus, or that you can’t show a little bit of love to them; but there is a time and place for everything. A sexual act with your girlfriend or boyfriend at school is not one of them.