Student fundraises for fine

Free Sunil! That is what the under and oversized t-shirts read, some grey, some black, some with glittery letters and some without, though the meaning of the two simple words is not directly clear.

Last week, sophomore Sunil Dick was charged with an alcohol violation. This is not uncommon. Students who are in violation accept the blame and punishment. Dick will receive his punishment from the Peer Review Board later this week. Expecting a likely fine, Dick, along with fell sophomore, Caroline Mininger, made t-shirts to sell and raise money to cover the potentially impending fine. Dick sold the grey and black t-shirts to any willing buyers/supporters, for three dollars apiece. Many students wore the shirts on Tuesday to show their support for Sunil.

EMU makes its stance on alcohol use abundantly clear. Every student signs a Community Lifestyle Agreement that holds students accountable for misbehaving in ways that EMU believes to be "harmful." "Eastern Mennonite University supports nonuse of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs as the most appropriate and responsible lifestyle choice. The possession or use of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs is strictly prohibited from the EMU campus as well as all university-related functions." Punishments for infractions, determined by the Peer Review Board, range from fines to community service to letters of apologies.

Although it may seem that Sunil is making a joke of the incident, he is rather remorseful. "I know that I broke the rules and I am willing to face the consequences," Sunil said. "I am not trying to get out of it or deny it." He feels that perhaps he has benefited from his punishment. "As a young adult, I am still growing and learning from my experiences. The t-shirts are just to raise money for a fine."

Other "t-shirt wearing days" are in discussion for future dates. Shirts are still available for purchase, for more information contact either Dick or Mininger.