The University Center steps have been a place for social gatherings for many University of Memphis students, but not anymore.
Students who came out to watch the step show last Friday found signs on the steps of the University Center’s west entrance reading: “Please no sitting or standing on steps.” UC officials asked students who ignored the signs to move.
“Some guy asked me to move off the steps,” said Junior Michael Torry. “We have been sitting out there for years and now they want to make a rule about it.”
The decision to put up the signs was due to the fire code said Jay Anderson, U.C. Director.
This has been a long running battle,” Anderson said. “We have gotten calls and complaints from police services, students, and members of the faculty and staff about the U.C entrance being blocked.
“This has been going on for about a year,” Anderson said. “And we were getting pressured to enforce the safety code. The Fire Marshal said that it was an infraction of the state building policy.
The Life Safety Code, as adopted by the State of Tennessee states that every building shall be arranged and maintained to provide free and unobstructed egress from all parts of the building or structure at all times when it is occupied in case of fire or other emergency.
“I’d rather have them on the stairs than on the inside,” said information desk worker, Karima Pope. “Who’s going to enforce this rule? That’s the big question.”
Anderson said he will occassionally check and the fire marshal will make visits to ensure students are obeying the safety regulations.
Anderson said when he explained to students why the signs were on the steps of the U.C. most of them understood.
“They need to enforce it at every building,” senior Jamaal Wicks said. “They are singling out a group of students. The rule should be directed to everyone.”
Campus organizations including the Black Student Association, Student Activities Council, Student Government Association, and Black Scholars Unlimited worked with Anderson to come up with a solution to the problem. The group agreed the signs were the best solution.
“I think it’s good and bad,” said junior Eugene Miller. “It is hard to get in the U.C.”
“The purpose of the U.C. is for students to sit, eat and take a break between classes,” said Anderson. “We are not trying to be the mean demons. We want students to come to the UC. That’s what it’s for.”
