But that didn't happen. So, we feel like fourth graders, our opinions and rights not respected. It's everyone's goal to prevent fires in the dorms, but this type of treatment continues to promote an "us against them" spirit among students with regard to administrators.

Maybe no type of discussion with students would have worked and the inspection still would have been necessary for our own good. But if they didn't want to tell us they were coming, they at least could have shown us enough respect to leave a note detailing what they took.

Maybe the FDO doesn't feel like they owe the violators anything because those students broke the rules. But, come on, let's be practical. If students are made to feel like victims of the solution, then they will never show proper respect for the problem of fire hazards--and they will remain just as vulnerable as they were before.

Heather B. Long, a Crimson editor, is a first-year in Weld Hall.