Open house on Prospect

But after the tents and stages are dismantled and the bands pack up and leave, a more exclusive system that promotes social stratification sets in. Some clubs often go on pass or are members-only, making it difficult for those without connections in the right social circles to get in. While underclassmen especially might find entry difficult, even upperclassmen with acquaintances in a club may have difficulty gaining entry. The process of contacting club members to get passes or to get on guest lists takes much advance planning, which destroys the sense of spontaneity that makes Lawnparties such a good time. To help break down these barriers, the Interclub Council should coordinate a few days a year when all the clubs are open to all Princeton students.

There are many legitimate reasons for a club to restrict entry. Clubs are responsible, first and foremost, to their paying membership. To that end, clubs may wish to have members-only events on certain nights and restrict the number of nights when members' dues are used to entertain other non-paying guests. Clubs may also be concerned about allowing unfamiliar students inside for fear that they may act inappropriately.

Because the number of nights when all clubs would be open would be limited, the cost of remaining open to all students should not be prohibitive. The vast majority of nights could still be reserved for members and their guests.

Regardless of whether a club is having an open or restricted event, the security and safety of students is dependent on the vigilance of club officers and bouncers. Since passes are easily transferable, they are not a foolproof method of controling access. While clubs may wish to take extra precautions on open days, the incremental cost for security should not be great, and clubs would retain the right to limit entry in cases of overcrowding or inappropriate behavior. Several clubs are already frequently open to all Princeton students while maintaining safe environments.

Open days could benefit the clubs as well. This scheme would make a wider group of students aware of each club and broaden their pool of potential members. If the clubs required donated food or clothing rather than passes, as some have occasionally done in the past, the event could serve as a community service initiative as well. Finally, upperclassmen would benefit by being able to reconnect with friends in an increasingly partitioned social system.