We All Deserve a Happy Valley

Promoting Safety for Everyone
 
Background Information 
State College, Pennsylvania, is one of the most beautiful landmarks of the Northeast. Housing a 
top college and a world-leader in science, engineering, education, and even business fields, the 
community of neighboring boroughs and the students of on and off-campus housing are tightly 
intertwined. Aside from the Liberty Bell, State College houses the second most photographed 
thing in Pennsylvania: The Lion Shrine. The community built around this statue is amazing, the 
shops downtown work in 
conjunction with students 
and locals alike in order to 
provide the optimal 
experience for all.  
 
TripAdvisor currently lists 
State College, PA in the top 
30 places to visit in 
Pennsylvania, and in 2014, 
Niche.com ranked State 
College as the “Best Town in 
Pennsylvania.” Even the American Institute for Economic Research in 2014 rated State College in 
the top 10 college towns for 3 years straight. This research integrated community, learning 
environment, quality of life, professional opportunity, and much more. There are so many 
opportunities in Penn State for community.  
 
At the Bryce Jordan Center, locals and students alike watch basketball games and highly-ranked 
artists for enjoyment; in Beaver Stadium, those around state college convene to watch Penn 
State annihilate another football team; students themselves raise over $10 million dollars each 
year during THON in order to support Penn State’s four diamond families; the ultimate fight 
against cancer. 
 
However, in 2017, State College disappeared from this “Best Town” list. As time goes on, Penn 
State and the surrounding area has experienced a shift in regards to its priorities. The overall 

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mentality of the area has shifted from being community minded to entertainment minded; this 
shift has become the downfall of the town. While some still focus on the community, the 
entertainment mindset has caused most 
in the community to disregard the 
safety of others. This ultimately ends in 
atrocities such as burglaries, excessive 
drinking of alcohol (especially 
underage), sexual assaults, and many 
other tragic occurrences. 
 
In California, the drunkest rated city is Chico. Similarly, in New Jersey, New Mexico, and South 
Carolina, the drunkest rated cities are Ocean City, Santa Fe, and Hilton Head, respectively. Based 
on this trend of major cities being rated the drunkest in their state, you would assume that 
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or Harrisburg would be labeled as the drunkest. Instead, State College 
is rated the drunkest city in all of Pennsylvania.  
 
More than 20% of State College adults labeled themselves as “heavy” or “binge” drinkers, and 
almost 30% of the city’s deaths are alcohol-related. Because of this, State College experiences a 
high concern for safety, especially in the downtown area near campus. Alcohol is only one 
driving force for increased crime in the Centre County area, though. Violent burglaries that are 
non alcohol related are also apparent among residents. In fact, every inhabitant has a 1 in 59 
chance of being the victim of property crime.  
 
Feeling Unsafe in the Community 
Being home to the largest school in the state, the State College metropolitan area has 24.1 
percent of its residents enrolled in college or graduate school. Although the university town has 
been recognized as a great place to live, the presence of the university creates a unique 
challenge for the community i.e. safety. On and off-campus events often draw a large number of 
people to participate in this so-called “college life” and socializing culture, such as football 
games, late night greek life parties, and tailgates, which result in risky behaviors, break-ins, 
vandalism, assaults, and violence. 
 
Penn State has been frequently voted as one of the top 10 ‘party schools’ in the whole nation. 

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We all remember the tragedy that happened approximately a year ago at one of the fraternities 
at Penn State. Timothy Piazza died as a result of hazing at the ‘Beta Theta Pi’ fraternity on 
February 4, 2017. That happened because of 
us, and because we, the so-called community 
was not careful enough. The jury’s report in 
the wake of his drinking death said that Penn 
State officials ignored the dangers from 
excessive drinking and the other 
consequences, and, the inaction of the 
officials allowed the inhumane and criminal 
acts to take place.  
 
According to the Penn State crime log, the 
number of reported on-campus sexual assaults went up in 2016, continuing a trend of growth 
since 2010. Since February 2014, 73 ‘timely-warning’ notifications have been sent out to Penn 
State students and university employees 
regarding sexual assault on campus. Not only 
criminals, but many times, the victims are 
drugged and under the influence of alcohol, are 
not sober enough to make the right decisions, 
which leads to these type of incidents. Even 
after the presence of strict laws in the state of 
P.A. associated with sexual assault, there have 
been a plethora of related incidents taking 
place on campus.  
These alcohol-related incidents prove to have 
an adverse effect not only to an individual or 
two, but the whole community, which is, the whole nation. For example, in 2010, alcohol misuse 
cost the United States $249.00 billion. It is also said that people happen to exhibit violent 
behaviors attributed to alcohol. 88,000 Americans die from consuming alcohol. Not only this, 
there have been cases about drunk-driving and abusing children. 
 

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This deliberation guide offers three approaches that might be considered to address some of the 
issues we face right now and foster a safer environment to live in. We have designed this 
particular framework to encourage deliberation, and to avoid any sort of divisive debate. This 
issue guide also highlights the drawbacks of each of the three approaches and aims to help the 
community address the tradeoffs associated with the respective options.  
 
● Approach One​ suggests that enforcing stricter laws, policies and creating accountable 
systems in the community are helpful in altering the adverse effects of alcohol 
consumption and other alcohol-related incidents. 
● Approach Two​ demonstrates the impact of early education on college-aged students in 
order to prevent them from over-consuming alcohol and underage drinking habits. 
● Approach Three​ proposes that safety within the community can be ensured by 
community building and planning events that can help people interact, bring neighbors 
together, and have stronger relationships to create long-term changes. 
 
Through the structured conversation along with detailed analysis of the three different options, 
we will explore which approach(es) seem more viable to each of us. Our opinions might differ at 
various points, but we need to foster the deliberation peacefully, without leading to any sort of 
debates, and respect everyone’s perspective in order to come to community-benefitting 
decisions as a group.  
 
   

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Approaches 
I. Law Enforcement 
General Idea: ​Using law enforcement to generate awareness of possibly disruptive and 
self-destructive behaviors and their consequences in the community, while also maintaining 
order through stricter consequences for violations. 
 
Some would argue that the Police Department is too harsh in our community. In recent times, 
there has been much dispute over the law enforcement in our country. Although according to a 
Gallup poll conducted in 2016, respect for police was higher than it had been in years. This 
particular poll said that three in four americans have “a great deal” of respect for their local law 
enforcement officials. Respect for police is a totally different topic, but, in the example of State 
College, the way ​college students​ view the police has a large impact on the order of the 
community.  
 
State College has a Police Department dedicated to keeping its community safe. As of now, State 
College has two police departments patrolling. They work together to try and ensure the safest 
possible environment to students and the members of the community. There is much ambiguity 
on the exact consequences for a public complaint, alcohol related, or other offences.  
Some things to consider: 
● Are consequences for alcohol related offences in the State College area 
consistent in all cases? 
● Are consequences the same for a University Police enforced offence as they 
would be for a township or city police offence? 
 
Despite the efforts of local law enforcement, there is only so much they can do. In recent years, 
Beaver Avenue has been the target for many crowd disturbances requiring horses, mace, and 
other officials to be called in. Most recently being the Eagles Super Bowl win, where authorities 
were able to contain things fairly quickly after they got out of hand. 
 
However, it is important to remember that it is not the sole responsibility of the State College 
police to maintain order. It is also important that Penn State University and the Police 
Department continue to work together to keep order and enforce laws and policies.  

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In order to change destructive behavior, there must be change, simply because in order to create 
change, there must be adjustments to current policies and the creation of stricter punishment. 
However, it is also important to remember the importance of connecting with and humanizing 
the very people trying to enforce these laws and policies.  
 
WHAT CAN BE DONE  POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS  

Community Policing-  ● Lack of attendance: ​a lack of community 

Building a close relationships to residents and  attendance could make these programs 
students could results in a decrease of crime and the  redundant.   
development of respect. Furthermore, programs such   
“Ask-a-Cop” create a respectful environment to voice 
opinions and ask questions. This could be a great 
opportunity for community members and police 
officers to connect as well as a way to gain 
knowledge of the laws of the town.  

Tighten Pre-existing Policies-  ● Costly:​ It will be costly to hire more police 

A tightening of pre-existing policies, for example the  officers to keep up with increase of 
tightening of Greek Life policies, could help police  presence.  
officers crack down on violations and make the  ● Burdening to both residents and the Police 
threshold for crime much lower.   Department  
  ● Hostility: ​a tightening of pre-existing 
  policies could result in tension between 
  students, residents, and student 
organizations.  

Harsher Punishment for Violations-   ● Hostility- ​Students and residents may begin 
Offenders should be given a harsher penalty and  to feel punishments are too harsh and could 
harsher sentences for more serious crimes  result in a further divide between court 
  systems, police, students, and residents. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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II. Early Education  
General Idea: ​This approach looks at early education for elementary, middle school, and high school 
students and its importance in providing both a knowledge base and social environment necessary for 
future success. The impact of early education covers a broad spectrum including not only drugs and 
violence, but also the mental health, physical health and the communal experiences schools provide to 
better prepare students for future success. The perspective of early education in providing a safer and 
friendlier environment is an immersive collaboration that requires a willingness to make a change from 
all levels of society. The different aspects behind Early Education can be separated into, but are not 
limited to the following categories. 

Alcohol 

In 2015, the ​National Survey on Drug Use and Health​ reported that 20% of youth aged 12 to 20 years 
drink alcohol and 13% reported binge drinking in the past 30 days. These statistics demonstrate that it 
is crucial to begin discussing the effects of alcohol early on and highlight the potential dangers both 
physically and psychologically. In order to reduce underage drinking, education is the key to discussing 
ways in which to build a safe community. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and 
Alcoholism, they recommend that parents talk “early and often, in developmentally appropriate ways, 
with children and teens about your concerns—and theirs—regarding alcohol. Adolescents who know 
their parents’ opinions about youth drinking are more likely to fall in line with their expectations.”  

Mental health 

Mental health is a vital and an ever growing prevalent issue in the modern society. By definition, Mental 
Health covers the social psychological and emotional aspects of everyday life. The ability to foster a 
strong support system early on is critical in fostering the maturity and tenacity necessary to handle the 
stress of everyday. For many, the development of mental health starts with the foundation of peers, 
parents and teachers provided by a Early Education. Those with better mental health are more likely to 
lead happier lifestyles with logic and confidence.  

Early Immersive Exposure 

Early exposure to the importance of safety and the responsibilities that come with safe decision making 
is a fundamental concept to the approach of Early Education. Biologically, neuroplasticity and the ability 
of the brain to rewire itself declines with age. This can be seen most prominently with language. 
Students who learn a language at an early age (before 7) are more likely to retain proficiency simply 
because they grew up with it. In the same way, morality and the importance wellbeing (both mentally 

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and physically) can be ingrained in children from an early age. This allows children the ability to view 
morality and logical decisions involving safety not only as a conscious decision, but also an intrinsic 
reflex they can be equipped with going into the community. 
What can be done about this? 
1. Schools lay the foundation for children's development, so by integrating an improved program, 
students would have the tools necessary to have long term success. This would not simply include 
having a quick presentation on the negative consequences of drugs, alcohol, or violence, but rather 
a thorough interactive discussion from a variety of people in the community, such as the police, 
drug addiction centers, and real-people who tell their stories about the impact of drugs, alcohol, or 
violence on their life. 
2. Oftentimes lecturing and informing students at a young age may not have as much as an impact 
without actual application and constant emphasis (from parents, community and peers). Peer 
pressure is a major factor on substance abuse, mental stability and safety in general.  
3. In addition to the schools integrating a new program, parents could also be informed on how to 
discuss these topics with their children. Since, parents have a significant impact on their children's 
decision-making habits, talking to their child early would enable create a safe environment.  
 
ASSOCIATED PROS  POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS  

● Create a safer community in Happy  ● Implementing the new program in schools would require 
Valley  funding, from the government so taxes would need to be 
● Children would be informed about the  raised 
effects of their decisions and actions  ● Kids may still continue to avoid the guidance from 
● Prevention of the first step is crucial.  authorities 
Doing drugs even once can  ● Teachers would need more curriculum planning 
biologically spiral children and teens  techniques to present the information about drugs, 
out of control.  alcohol, and mental health. 
● Behaviors such as depression, drug  ● Uncertainty over whether or not a curriculum is truly 
addictions, or excessive drinking  impactful.  
would reduce as students graduate  ● The difficulty of complete immersion of children proves a 
from high school and move to the  gigantic goal that requires cooperation of multiple levels 
college scene  within the community (parents, other children, police, 
● Parents and children could easily  government etc).  
voice their concerns and questions,  ● While a majority of state college students attend Penn 
and develop ways to honestly engage  State, the university community is oftentimes temporary 
in a safe environment at school, at  and constantly changing and thus difficult to be 
home, and in the community.  addressed with education. 

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III. Community 
General Idea: ​Promoting community bonding and coming up with programs that could possibly 
make college students more attentive towards the problems that the community faces. 
 
There is an extremely strained relationship between the State College residents and the Penn 
State students. Some residents of State College report dissatisfaction over students’ apparent 
lack of respect for property (i.e stealing, breaking and entering in, etc.) and claim that alcohol 
consumption has been a bad influence on their children. The students in return feel that the 
residents vilify Greek Life and parties and that they are unfairly blamed for most of the crime and 
disruptions committed in State College. 

EXAMPLES OF WHAT CAN BE DONE  POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS 

● Have a casual social event with residents and  ● Having a monthly meeting places a 
students of the community in one neighborhood so  constraint on both State College 
that students will get to know their neighbors better  residents and students. People should 
by getting a better sense of the age-range and  be willing to allocate a certain amount 
families living in their street/neighborhood.  of time every month to meet with their 
community. 

● Have a University requirement stipulating that  ● Adding additional rules to rushing may 
community service must be a part of rushing. This will  cause backlash from frats, sororities, 
better the community, instill a strong sense of respect  and students because it could be 
in pledges, stress the importance of giving back, and  considered as an alteration to their 
deter people from rushing who aren’t  rules for the community’s benefits. 
community-minded. 

● Residents and students have regular meetings where  ● Again, this may cause a constraint for 
issues are discussed and problems are resolved. That  both, residents and students, as it may 
way, both parties will have a calm environment to  get in the way of personal plans. 
talk and even get to know each other. 

● Make an actual class that counts as credits where  ● If this course counts as credits, it will 
students and residents are required to interact by  be hard to grade based upon the 
doing community service activities together.  satisfaction of both parties. Therefore, 
a fair grading practice must be 
installed before launching this as a 
course. 
 

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1. We propose implementing a “town meeting” like format in which students and Greek Life 
Institutions as well as members of the community meet to discuss and improve upcoming 
events and strengthen their relationship. Conversation could be monitored by Tim King, 
President of the Office of Community Engagement in State College. Executive Members 
of Fraternities and Sororities as well as designated residents would be required to write 
and share a brief with their fellow brothers and community members about what was 
discussed and what issues were resolved during the meeting. 
2. We also propose a requirement for all Greek Life Institutions and students to instruct 
their pledges to fulfill a community service requirement before being allowed to pledge. 
This action would reinforce the importance of giving back and respecting the members of 
their fellow community. 
3. Our third proposal is to have regular meetings where everyone can socialize and discuss 
their problems. Since frats, sororities, and students may have created a negative 
impression on town members, socializing will be key for the residents and students to 
come to a happy medium.  
4. The last proposal is to create a class where students and residents get together and 
perform community service tasks to help them socialize as well as better the community. 
Conducting these tasks will foster a better awareness in of the amount of clean-up 
required and both students and residents will be able to converse more comfortably. 

Both students and members of the community would all receive a direct benefit from this 
interaction as the aim of this approach is to provide a fair balance between the non-Greek-Life 
community and the students. Communication is essential to building a stronger community, and 
our approach seeks to do just that. Members of the State College community and Greek Life 
Institutions may be a bit disgruntled at having to talk things out in the first place. With time and 
increased comfortability, we believe this awkwardness will dissipate and the community will 
ultimately form a balance system that will be beneficial to both groups. In addition to this, 
community members as well as students may have to be more open-minded when 
understanding each other’s opinions on Greek Life, parties, and other acts that may have risked 
safety or caused a disturbance to the downtown community.   

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