As the Johnson State College campus becomes a blanket of white snow, students are finding themselves getting into the holiday spirit. However, the extent of holiday celebrations is limited when it comes to how students can decorate their dorms. “I love Christmas time,” said freshman Colleen McNamera, “but not being able to have Christmas lights really puts a damper on my holiday spirit.”

Director of Residence Life Michele Whitmore, however, says the college is not the Grinch, and that decorations like Christmas lights are banned from campus dorms because of fire hazards. “There are a lot of factors about why students can’t have lights,” said Whitmore. “The cheaper lights can cause fires and overheat. It’s also a waste of money and energy.”

Despite the fire hazards, some JSC students are outraged by the lack of festive decorations on campus. “I’m pissed about it,” said freshman Sadye Easler. “It takes away from the holiday cheer. We can’t have Christmas trees or even wreaths, so at the very least we should be able to have lights. The cold weather can be depressing but things like Christmas decorations and lights really brighten my day. At the very least the school could decorate the trees on campus. I would love to walk around at night and see the whole place light up with decorations.”

According to Whitmore, students are allowed to have lights as long as the ends of the plugs are cut off so they can’t be plugged in. “If the lights are allowed, some of them are going to be cheaper than others, and the cheap ones have more of a chance to cause fires,” Whitmore said. “Then it becomes an issue of how to control what can and cannot be used.”

Students are allowed to have very small fake Christmas trees, provided they don’t have any lights on them and are a safe distance away from the heaters. “Real trees or wreaths aren’t allowed because they can dry up and cause fires. We allow students to decorate with paper wall hangings and window clings,” Whitmore said.

Although festive lights can help put students in the Christmas mood, those who celebrate Chanukah face a different problem. Candles are prohibited from the dorm rooms and, although menorahs can be purchased with electric candles, college policies limit their use. “If they wish to celebrate, then they should request in writing so we know when and what they are using as a menorah,” said Whitmore. “We just have to make sure that it fits the standards and isn’t a fire hazard. They can be allowed for religious purposes, but there has to be a limited time they could be plugged in.”

Whitmore noted the college has set procedures for those who violate the safety policies: “If a student is caught with lights then they will be asked to remove them,” she said.

“They will be kept in the RA’s office until the student leaves for break. They will receive a written warning for the violation, but if it’s a reoccurring problem then they can receive a sanction.”