I suppose this makes sense: From the AANews, “Eastern Michigan University decides to keep dorm room closed where Laura Dickinson was slain.” Here’s a quote I thought was kind of interesting:
A renovated Hill Hall will reopen this fall, but Fitzgerald said he and other EMU officials decided not to open Room 518 because the memory of Dickinson’s death is too fresh.
“I think probably that wound is a little open, I guess. We chose not to” open it, he said.
“I don’t know what we’re going to do for a year from now. I think we’re going to have to talk about it.”
But the room was used earlier this month – one of four dorm rooms that displayed furniture during an event for staff and student leaders. In the rooms, potential vendors showcased products that might be used in the building this fall.
Fitzgerald called that a mistake.The display was scheduled to last four days but was removed from Room 518 after a student leader realized it was Dickinson’s former room, Fitzgerald said.
One of the students quoted in the article said that it might make sense to keep the building closed for a couple of years. That might not be a bad idea either.
Just when we thought it was over….it comes back again.
When is news no longer news? I just want to rest.
Next time I hope they print something positive like
Share Laura’s Hope.
Laura’s dad
And BTW, what Bob is talking about here is Share Laura’s Hope. Check it out.
Yes, Share Laura’s Hope is positive and worthy of support! Thank you, Bob, for your always kind and generous words.
And I am so sorry that this “decision” to not use Laura’s old room was handled by the University housing officials in a way that made it into a news story that has been covered statewide and out of state too. It’s not really news, but when they used the room to show case furniture, it was a blunder that the press picked up on. The room should be closed and not used for anything for a period of 5 years or so, or else the sensationalistic press will be tempted to go and get pictures of the room. Let it sit silent and empty — that’s the obvious choice that would minimize the risk of fanning the sensationalists and voyeurs who may want to look into the room. The ‘decision’ to not use the room next year is news just because it amounts to a reversal of a previous decision to use the room.
The room needs to be left empty and totally unused for a period of years, or else this will be a recurring story, needlessly evoking pain and bad memories. I am concerned that plans to use it for an office or a storage room will allow sensationalistic photographers to get in. Let the room be closed for years.
Let’s remember Laura Dickinson for the fine person and outstanding EMU community member she was. May EMU housing officials start using common sense and sensitivity in their decision making regarding this room, instead of making decisions that perpetuate an unproductive news story.
Thank you, Bob, for your determination to focus on the positive. We should all Share Laura’s Hope, and I praise you and all of Laura’s family and friends for your amazingly gracious behavior.