Quiet nights ordinance unreasonable

Little 500 is a time for celebrating IU culture and community. For one weekend, Bloomington is alive with a positive energy that infects the whole campus. It excludes no one, discriminates against nothing and rejoices in the college experience that is IU. The races showcase hardworking students and community members who labor yearlong for the glory of winning the race.\nIn direct contrast to the positivity of Little 500 are the problems that destroy this weekend. People get drunk, get rowdy and cause trouble. Neighborhoods, neighbors and community members are disturbed by the implications of partying during Little 500. These disturbances are unacceptable and contribute to an overwhelming negative stereotype of the typical, irresponsible IU student.\nThe Bloomington police who bust students for drinking during this weekend are just "doing their job." They are following a mandate put in place by Bloomington Mayor John Fernandez to keep noise violations down and keep students safe and orderly. There are strict noise requirements that must be followed, even during Little 500 weekend.\nI understand these requirements, and I agree that order and safety are important factors for the city of Bloomington. \nWhat I don't understand is the blatant disregard for students and residents of this community that is created by the "quiet nights" policy.\nCase in point: a group of students was drinking, relaxing and enjoying themselves Saturday evening. Everyone there was 21. Everyone was enjoying a Saturday night, keeping to the porch, and enjoying the camaraderie and spirit of Little 500.\nOfficers came up and wrote $50 tickets to every resident of the house. No warning. No "Please turn the music down." This party was full of people who wanted to comply with any law or enforcement agent. But the officers had a different idea. They issued $50 tickets to every resident of the house. They neglected the fact that all present were 21 years old. They neglected the fact that it would have taken 30 seconds to warn the residents and ask them to turn down the music. They spent 30 minutes issuing tickets to responsible, legal drinkers.\nThe crux of the insanity came when a car drove the wrong way down a one-way street while six policemen stood around on the porch, making sure "order was kept."\nNow, if a car can drive the wrong way down Sixth Street, while officers can spend 30 minutes of their time (funded by your taxpayer dollars) writing tickets to 21-year-old residents for having their stereo on too loud, there is an obvious miscarriage of justice.\nNever mind the fact that all residents in the neighborhood, minus a local restaurant, are students, and their houses were loud and partying as well. Never mind the fact that all in attendance were 21 and staying calm on the porch. And never mind that everyone was cooperative and wanting to learn what they could do to make the party legal.\nAll that mattered was that people were drinking and there was music. All that mattered was that the officers were eager to spend 30 minutes standing outside the house.\nThe officers laughed. They even conversed with partygoers. They passed the buck: "This is the Mayor's law." They made analogies to traffic stops. "Why do we have to give you a warning? Does a traffic officer give you a warning for speeding?" This is a valid question. Of course not. An officer who pulls you over for a traffic stop has caught you speeding.\nBut the difference is that there was no violence, no disturbance and no just cause for these officers to take any legal action against the party.\nWhat we need are officers who are smart enough and authorized with the proper power to use their own personal judgment as to whether a party is a disturbance. What we need are officers who are compassionate, and if not compassionate, understanding of students, the campus community and Bloomington as a whole.\nMoney, time and much more were wasted when these tickets were issued. I urge a full review and investigation into what appears to be an obvious miscarriage of justice.\nI am not advocating craziness, drunken wandering or any other illegal violation. I am urging a review of what is appropriate. I am urging a review of what is the legal right of a group of people to assemble and enjoy a legal substance responsibly.\nI see dollar signs, control and a lack of reasonability. What we need is compassion, logic and a safe city.