Dear editor,

There is a new rule in the Danna Center now. No shoes, no entry. Before this year, that rule only applied to the Market and to the Orleans Room. Otherwise, I knew several people who would come and go about their day with bare feet, each with their own reasons for doing so but still appreciating the fact that they simply could.

At one point, it was only my former roommate from last year walking around without shoes. Then some more people decided to follow suit, inspired by his individuality.

This trend of shoeless walkers on campus has become somewhat of a regularity in my mind. So, how does the school respond? By banning any person not wearing shoes from walking through the Danna Center.

I can’t say that I am directly affected by this new rule, but I know several people who indulge in a barefoot lifestyle and are quite happy with their choice.

So I wonder, why require shoes? The first reason that comes to mind is the issue of cleaning. Could feet leave more prominent tracks on those marble floors than could a pair of shoes? I don’t know.

I understand there are many people who are not fond of feet; but, as for having enough of a distaste for feet to fight against a person’s ability to walk around barefoot of their own will, that I cannot imagine. It seems a bit extreme to me.

I cannot imagine many more reasons for banning bare feet. In restaurants, “No shirt, no shoes, no service” is based mainly on sanitation. One piece of glass on the floor mixed with anything that may have been dropped is a recipe for infection. But, in the case of our Danna Center, our floors are pretty clean, thanks to our janitorial staff.

Personally, I feel that the rule should be lifted or, rather, that it should be limited to requiring shoes in places of food. But the general comings and goings of students should not be affected. Students should have a right to choose what to wear and what not to wear on their feet.

Sincerely,

Tom Gillis

Philosophy sophomore