test article to be deleted

Posted: 3/12/04

HSU considers allowing on-campus dances

ABILENE—Hardin-Simmons University's administrative council will decide whether to permit supervised on-campus dances as a part of student social activities.

Student Congress President Ash Wright and Parliamentarian Wayne Holder recently asked the university's trustees to consider allowing campus facilities to be used for social activities that include student mixers and dances.

Currently, student organizations have off-campus social gatherings that include dancing. These activities are chaperoned or sponsored, but there is added expense in renting facilities and hiring security, student leaders maintained.

Trustees voted to support a change in policy that allows on-campus dancing if the school's administration determines it serves the best interest and safety of students.

"The HSU administrative council will address the issue and make a decision," said President Craig Turner. The council is made up of Turner and four vice presidents.

Any proposals for on-campus dances presented by students will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, Turner said.

Administrators have no plans for the university to initiate and sponsor dances, but the school will allow approved student groups to hold on-campus dances, primarily out of concern for their safety, he said.

"Baptist students at Baptist colleges have been dancing for years, but we fear that the facilities in which these dances are now held are less secure and safe than ever," he said.

Allowing on-campus dances seems to be a growing trend among some faith-based schools that previously had not permitted the events, he added.

"We live in an era in which conservative evangelical colleges such as Wheaton are now hosting dances on their campus," Turner said.