The Spire

Tucker Scott ‘26

Staff Writer

On September 25, 2025 Associate Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Charles Todd announced that Kendig Gate was closed. In his announcement letter he specifically focused on being “good neighbors and to keep everyone safe.”

He then followed up by saying, “Sticking to approved entry points respects our neighbors, supports a positive relationship with the community, and helps ensure your safety.” 

Dean Todd stressed, “Ongoing use of the locked gate and fence to reach campus or Kendig Street may prompt a referral to the Office of Community Standards, consistent with the Student Code of Conduct. He added that “Public Safety will be monitoring the area in response to community concerns.” So clearly the administration isn’t joking around and will take any violations to their rule incredibly curious.

This is not the first time the college has closed a gate and access to campus from a particular entrance. Two years ago the campus closed the entrance by the softball field at Freshmen Field over safety concerns. So this isn’t the first time the college has decided to close a gate, however it is the first time, as far as I am aware, that they are closing a gate with no plan to reopen it. In his announcement Dean Todd made no clear timeframe by which the entrance will be reopened.

One does wonder what happened to cause both such a sudden change and with such strict enforcement. It is hinted that it had something to do with our neighbors and their complaints, although again one does wonder what their complaints could have possibly been, given they were by such an isolated section of the college. Perhaps it is merely a symbolic move for the residents closer to where all the sports houses actually reside? However in the end it does not really matter why the gate was closed, all that matters is that it was closed.

Clearly the question of how to improve not just our school, but the students in general, relationship with our neighbors is an important one. One fascinating recommendation that has been made to this author was to better connect the students and the neighbors so that each can see how their actions impact the others. As it is now, they are one step removed from each other, and with no real student advocacy, specifically to our neighbors, no true substantive dialogue can be formed. Now, what the solution would ultimately be could vary. It could be something as simple as having a student representative sit in on discussions regarding our neighbors and neighborhood disputes. Another could be making clear what conduct is expected and allowed. This again goes back to the dialogue. If students are unaware of what they can and can’t do then they can’t be expected to act in a manner appropriate to the college. Ultimately the most important thing is building an active relationship that is focused on communication between everyday students and our neighbors.

It is through their grace that they allow us college students to freely travel around the area and it is important for us as a community not to take advantage of that kindness and generosity. However it is also important that our neighbors treat us students with kindness and respect. After all, a relationship is a two way street. If we all follow the golden rule, treat others the way we want to be treated, our community will be a whole lot better.

Regardless of all these facts however it is best for students to simply avoid that entrance if they wish to avoid the wrath of Dean Todd and the Office of Community Standards.

Featured image courtesy of Google Earth

Copy Edited by Annamaria DeCamp ’27