Spam Jam is a tradition we’ve all come to love and look forward to. Conceived as an alternative to the notoriously wild Clam Jam, at its peak one of the most legendary annual parties of the New England academic corridor, Spam Jam is what its name implies: a spoof in itself, a lackluster imitation of the original.

Still, since the Clam is no more and Spam is what’s left, Fairfield students have turned this ill-gotten event into a bona fide tradition, a veritable rite of passage for Townhouse and Apartment residents.

For five years, juniors and seniors have enjoyed an end-of-year celebration with music, burgers, and, of course, beer; and all under the watchful eye of dozens of public safety officers. Now, sheepish university employees are putting the kabash on our beloved end-of-year tradition.

Members of RASOR/UNITE, the group responsible for the event, have confirmed that this year’s Spam Jam will be substance-free, though none are willing to identify themselves or elaborate on this decision. Why is RASOR/UNITE, an organization with an annual budget of over $16,000, refusing to take accountability for the actions that will deliver yet another blow to the outgoing class of 2006?

The FU administration needs to step up to the plate. If members of RASOR/UNITE are unwilling to accept responsibility, there are many individuals who would have a vested interest in making sure that this party happens as scheduled.

Mark Reed is one, Tom Pellegrino is another. Duane Melzer, who coordinates relations between the University and beach residents, would also do well to make sure that the last party of the year occur in the DPS-regulated confines of the townhouse courtyards and not in the injunction-protected, Fairfield Police-laden decks and yards of Lantern Point.

We’re willing to bet that this year’s Spam Jam will go down differently than in years past. While previous years were characterized by responsible drinking in a controlled environment, masses of covertly intoxicated students will fight for their turn on water slides and mechanical bulls. How is this an improvement?

For those keeping score, here’s the tally: 200 Nights – cancelled; Mock Wedding – no-go; Spam Jam – alcohol-free. Bang up job, guys!

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