On January 3rd, freshmen returned to campus with a new liberty. For the third formers, with the New Year came the right to co-ed visitation amongst themselves on non-academic Friday and Saturday nights.
During co-ed visiting sessions, the door must be completely open and the lights must remain on.
Dean of Students John Ford made the announcement prior to winter break, but he waited until after break to put the new policy into effect. According to Ford, the terms of the new rule state that “any third formers may have co-ed privileges with other third formers.”
Most third formers are appreciative of the new code, but some are pessimistic about the new co-ed policy.
“Third formers should have the chance to get co-ed with anyone, regardless of their form,” said one third form girl.
Chris Bakes ’10 spoke highly of the new privileges, stating, “I can understand why the school did not allow for freshmen to get co-ed in the fall term…it’s a nice change that we get it now in the winter term. It’s definitely an improvement.”
Ford extended the new freedom as a mark of “gradually giving freshmen some privileges.” Though the Choate community is almost a month into the New Year and the new privilege has yet to be abused.
“I’ve liked the results thus far,” said Ford.
It remains unclear whether this will be the new policy for future freshmen classes. Before options for the future are considered, though, the Class of 2010 must prove that they are responsible enough to handle the new responsibility.
