Opinion | Formalized rules for pranking are helpful at Bethel
As seen in volume 113, issue 6 of The Collegian
Pranks are a big part of Bethel College’s culture. Throughout the college’s 137 years of being a school, pranks have been prevalent. From students putting a cow in the library, to the permanent toilet on top of the cafeteria, all kinds of pranks have been pulled. This has led to student life cracking down on what is considered an acceptable prank.
The student handbook states the following rules about pranks. First, pranks have to be creative and light hearted. Second, they cannot do damage of any form to any part of school property. Third, the prank has to be good in taste and done without attacking another individual, physically or verbally. The fourth rule is that pranks shouldn’t happen during a busy time of year, for instance the start of the year, Fall Fest, or graduation. The fifth and final rule is that the clean-up should not be on the maintenance department, or really any other faculty. The handbook even says that a heads-up to the maintenance department is a good idea. One separate requirement the school has put in place for these pranks is that they can not happen in the Administration Building, any staff office space, or in Memorial Hall .
Considering the damage pranks can do, I feel that these rules are fair. For example, the graffiti scandal that went on around campus last year (2023-2024 school year). This situation, while done with a comedic intention, did cause harm to the school that was then dealt with by the administration. Staff have not prohibited pranks from being done, but instead highlighted the negative sides of pranks and warned students to avoid them.
On the other hand, the rules can also limit the amount of freedom that comes with pranks. In my own experience and from what I have witnessed in younger people, when they are told to do something, they will want to do the opposite. The same goes for when they are told not to do something, now all they will want to do is that thing.
Over all pranks are meant to be entertaining, and comedic. They are a part of our student culture. The items addressed in the rules were previously more of unspoken rules, but now have been set in stone. The pranks that have been pulled have not been to intentionally harm the school or people within it but instead to bring some fun. I’m glad the school has figured out a way to have a policy and still allow for some good-hearted pranking fun. I look forward to seeing the fun, creative, safe ways students will keep staff on their toes.