Jail and Bail accepts student advice; Fraternity fundraiser offers opt-out list
"I can understand why it is intimidating for a group of guys coming over to take you to jail"
Mark Hensch
Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: News
Tonight, Sigma Chi fraternity's Jail and Bail fundraiser will attempt to overcome some of last year's controversy, which was rife with complaint, boycott and campus-wide debate over the nature of charity and the validity of forced imprisonment.
Senior Gennady Stolyarov II used his blog to offer students a way to stay clear of this year's fiasco: an opt-out list.
"I believe that the issue that needs to be addressed here is consent," he said. "The Huntsman Cancer Institute is not problematic. Forced charity is."
Every year in the Jail and Bail, students pay $1 fees to jail others. Once imprisoned, prisoners pay $2 for freedom. The fraternity donates event proceeds to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Problems with this model emerged last year when "jailers" captured some students against their will. Many argued that the event forced charity, and the fraternity encountered harsh resistance.
"More communication and coordination between Sigma Chis and non-Sigma Chis could prevent [unnecessary controversy and confrontation]," Stolyarov said.
Accordingly, he created his opt-out list in conjunction with the event's organizers.
"I can understand why it is intimidating for a group of guys coming over to take you to jail," said Derby Days chairman Sigma Chi member Anderson, a senior. "Gennady appeals to a wider crowd outside of Greek life and we are glad he is helping our fraternity."
The list - available on Stolyarov's Web site, www.progressofliberty.today.com - makes anyone who personally signs it immune to Jail and Bail-induced capture.
Stolyarov said his site presents all the facts about the event and hopes that Hillsdale students will make informed decisions as a result. As of press time, eight students, including Stolyarov, had signed the list.
Anderson said Sigma Chi will hold this year's Jail and Bail in the Curtiss Memorial Dining Hall instead of the fraternity house, and will provide food for participants and non-participants.
Sigma Chi president Dylan Kessler, a junior, said he hopes these measures will remind students that the Jail and Bail has a worthy cause at heart.
Having personally toured the Huntsman Cancer Institute's medical facility, Kessler said he has seen firsthand what good Jail and Bail creates.
"While the Huntsman Cancer Institute conducts cancer research and treatment, its highest purpose is the way it restores dignity to those affected by cancer," Kessler said. "I was very impressed during my tour of the Huntsman Cancer Institute by both their standard of care and compassion."
Anderson said the changes should make the fraternity more successful.
Sigma Chi seeks the optimal mix of fun and charity, he said.
"We want this year to go smoothly so we are not going to push anyone out of their comfort zones," he said. "All the same, I hope people are not too stingy to donate a dollar or two towards a good cause."
Senior Gennady Stolyarov II used his blog to offer students a way to stay clear of this year's fiasco: an opt-out list.
"I believe that the issue that needs to be addressed here is consent," he said. "The Huntsman Cancer Institute is not problematic. Forced charity is."
Every year in the Jail and Bail, students pay $1 fees to jail others. Once imprisoned, prisoners pay $2 for freedom. The fraternity donates event proceeds to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Problems with this model emerged last year when "jailers" captured some students against their will. Many argued that the event forced charity, and the fraternity encountered harsh resistance.
"More communication and coordination between Sigma Chis and non-Sigma Chis could prevent [unnecessary controversy and confrontation]," Stolyarov said.
Accordingly, he created his opt-out list in conjunction with the event's organizers.
"I can understand why it is intimidating for a group of guys coming over to take you to jail," said Derby Days chairman Sigma Chi member Anderson, a senior. "Gennady appeals to a wider crowd outside of Greek life and we are glad he is helping our fraternity."
The list - available on Stolyarov's Web site, www.progressofliberty.today.com - makes anyone who personally signs it immune to Jail and Bail-induced capture.
Stolyarov said his site presents all the facts about the event and hopes that Hillsdale students will make informed decisions as a result. As of press time, eight students, including Stolyarov, had signed the list.
Anderson said Sigma Chi will hold this year's Jail and Bail in the Curtiss Memorial Dining Hall instead of the fraternity house, and will provide food for participants and non-participants.
Sigma Chi president Dylan Kessler, a junior, said he hopes these measures will remind students that the Jail and Bail has a worthy cause at heart.
Having personally toured the Huntsman Cancer Institute's medical facility, Kessler said he has seen firsthand what good Jail and Bail creates.
"While the Huntsman Cancer Institute conducts cancer research and treatment, its highest purpose is the way it restores dignity to those affected by cancer," Kessler said. "I was very impressed during my tour of the Huntsman Cancer Institute by both their standard of care and compassion."
Anderson said the changes should make the fraternity more successful.
Sigma Chi seeks the optimal mix of fun and charity, he said.
"We want this year to go smoothly so we are not going to push anyone out of their comfort zones," he said. "All the same, I hope people are not too stingy to donate a dollar or two towards a good cause."
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