We have all experienced the inconvience of planning alternative routes and longer treks as a result of the Free Expression Tunnel’s closure this year.

Like everyone else on campus, we are counting the hours until the tunnel is finally re-opened. And it is our hope that when the Free Expression Tunnel is finally complete, students and the campus community show their appreciation for this $2.8 million project.

Unfortunately there are those who would prove otherwise. The fire a student started Friday morning in the tunnel was immature, dangerous and completely disrespectful to the hard work that has been put into this project. It is frustrating that the construction has taken this long, recently surpassing the April 7 completion date that was projected back in January. Yet a “prank” of this type brings a shameful new definition to the “free expression” which this tunnel has represented for so long.

We as a community need to show that we take pride in our school and are good stewards of the campus we enjoy everyday. The condition of our school is a direct reflection on our character and we should do everything to ensure that that image is a positive one.

We hope that we can soon celebrate and appreciate the re-opening of our beloved Free Expression Tunnel. Once it is open, we expect others to show respect for the designated “expression” areas so that we can all enjoy the beauty and cleanliness of the new tunnel.

Everyone is eagerly anticipating the completion of the Free Expression Tunnel, but as it has been said before, anything worth having is worth waiting for. We hope that once the wait is over, students will show through their respect and care of the new Free Expression Tunnel that is was all worth it.