Editorial

Vandalism in schools has been a costly problem ever since schools have existed. As the years pass by, the crime rates in schools have mirrored the increase experienced by the "outside" world. Vandalism at Snider is no exception, as anyone who has visited the restrooms lately will notice: the sinks pulled off the walls, the graffiti, the broken mirrors, and occasionally someone will pioneer some new way to deface the restrooms. Needless to say, the restrooms are only one small part of the total scene.

A much less publicized area is that of the painting reproductions that were seen hanging in the school. The paintings were placed about the hall to add a little life to enhance the school for students, teachers, and visitors alike. There are always people who like to spoil something for everyone, and these people have succeeded in getting what was left of the paintings removed from the walls before they, too, disappear.

The decision by the Art Dept. to remove the paintings came after the ultimate compliment was paid to one of our aspiring young art students when his painting, on display in the main hall, was stolen during school hours. It is one thing to steal or deface a mass-produced product like a window, sink, or reprint, but to take a student's work of art which, whether it be of good or poor quality, cannot be replaced, can only be a slur on the character of the thief.

I do know that appealing to the vandals to stop what they are doing would be fruitless, but I can appeal to those responsible for the appropriation of school funds to look into some sort of burglar-proof display case. Part of the education of an artist is in the display of his works and their subsequent critique by the public, and it would be a shame if it were necessary for an artist to fret over the safety of a piece of art work simply because it was on display.

--Rick Hines