Issue date: 2/22/07 Section: Opinion

Hey Day isn't going anywhere, at least not this year.

The Class of 2008 was undoubtedly happy to learn yesterday that the Hey Day working group decided not to axe the 91-year-old tradition, which is scheduled for April 20.

The working group's plan dictates that in addition to the normal junior-class activities on Hey Day, activities for seniors will also take place, including a BBQ lunch, performance and a T-shirt giveaway. Seniors can only attend the event, though, if they sign a pledge acknowledging that hazing should not be a part of Hey Day.

If the working group doesn't see any change in behavior at Hey Day, future classes will celebrate Hey Day in the fall of their senior year, and "punitive alterations" will be made to Senior Week this May.

Giving Hey Day another chance is the right thing to do. Current juniors aren't to blame for past mishaps, and the plan makes the standards for behavior this year clear. The working group isn't asking for a complete cessation of the festivities; it's asking seniors to not engage in activities that put students at risk or destroy property.

Regardless of whether or not seniors feel that past events have earned this kind of scrutiny or, whether they believe that throwing things at juniors is wrong or dangerous, the University has made up its mind.

There is no tradition surrounding the recent incarnation of Hey Day, and trying to pretend so only puts the whole thing at risk. For the sake of their friends and peers in the classes of 2009 and 2010, who will be watching with anticipation come April, seniors should treat the day as a celebration, and work with class leaders and administrators to make sure there are many Hey Days to come.

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