From the Desk of

Stephanie Annunziata
2 Saltaire Ave.
Narragansett, RI 01896
sannunziata@my.uri.edu

Date: April 12, 2011

Gerald McCarthy
Co-Chair of the Narragansett Coalition
25 5th Avenue
Narragansett, RI 02882

Dear Gerald McCarthy:

My name is Stephanie Annunziata and I am currently a sophomore at the University of Rhode

Island. I am a Political Science and Economics major enrolled in a Public Writing course, WRT
303. The main purpose of this class is to write about a local issue that is controversial enough to
take action publicly. With that being said, I have a great interest in the orange sticker policy,
Chapter 46 of the Narragansett Codes of Ordinance, passed by the Narragansett Coalition. The
orange sticker policy not only caused uproar among many students of the university, but also has
ultimately failed leaving the permanent residents unsatisfied with the results. This policy needs
to be revised to appeal both to residents and student renters in order to uphold the organization’s
mission of developing a community of mutual respect.

The problem with the orange sticker policy is far beyond the complaints that it is a modern day
“scarlet letter”, it causes humiliation, and it violates our rights as students. Reviewing the codes
of ordinances, it appears that its vagueness allows the authorities to maintain an undefined
power. In the chapter, there needs to be set criteria for police to follow when dealing with
students in violation of unruly gatherings rather than basing their decisions on cooperation and
respect. The statute defines unlawful acts like crowds, obstructing roads with too many cars,
public drunkenness, and disturbances of peace. The behaviors listed are defined unruly, but the
ordinance fails to specify who must be doing the action to receive an orange sticker. Should
house owners receive punishment for actions of other people? There are many circumstances
when receiving an orange sticker is questionable; therefore, the ordinance must appear more
defined or an appeal process must be included. If the ordinance continues as it is right now, its
vagueness will lead to an increasing undocumented power among the authorities.

Another major flaw to the orange sticker policy is its lack of an appeal process. In the Rhode
Island Constitution, Article I Section 2, states, “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or
property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied equal protection of the
laws.” Students are often deprived of their right to defend themselves against the accusations.
Students should be able to appeal on site of the party and after they receive an orange sticker.
Even though on the orange sticker it states, “an owner may petition the Narragansett Police Chief
to remove this Notice after the owner has taken those actions necessary to prevent the occurrence
of a subsequent public nuisance at this location.” Even if students go through the process to
appeal, most of the time they are denied because it is “the same old story”. An appeal process is
needed because there are many circumstances where the orange sticker should have never been
given. If students know that they will be able to defend themselves, receiving an orange sticker
will cause less resentment and more cooperation.

The last major problem with the orange sticker is the involvement of the University of Rhode
Island. Kingston and Narragansett are too separate towns; therefore, the policy should be a
matter between town and renter. If the university is going to involve themselves, then the orange
sticker policy should apply to all students in all surrounding areas. All students should face the
same consequences; it should not be the risk of living in Narragansett. And if we use the
argument that most of the students reside in Narragansett, and this may be true, it still does not
require the attention of the university. The university should not be involved unless an unruly
gathering results in serious crime, where the proper punishment would be required. If any third
parties were to involve themselves, it should be the realtors and landlords, not the university.

So why change the policy? The policy has ultimately failed. Tom Dougan, Vice President of the
University of Rhode Island, said, “the policy has made no significant difference, and it is
inconsistent”. Chief Hoxsie of the Narragansett Police alleged, “The policy fails to deter many
students up front”. Of the 293 complaints this year, only 114 were considered an offense. Of that
114 only 57 orange stickers have been issued. So what is the problem? Residents of
Narragansett are not satisfied with the results of this policy and will keep pushing for harsher
punishments against students. Harsher punishments will only push students out of Narragansett.
Let’s face it, Narragansett’s economy relies significantly upon student renters because these are
the people going to the bars, restaurants, shops, and entertainment facilities. Without students,
one third of the houses in Narragansett would be vacant leaving landlords with an empty pocket.
Lastly, this policy causes more resentment among the students towards the university and
authorities further increasing reactionary outcomes when a party is broken up. The orange sticker
has solved little since 2005 and it is time for a change.

Because I understand that partying is not a “right” and the authorities can break up parties using
other tools, I propose an alternative policy to the current orange sticker. I have created a three-
strike policy to “punish” students for partying. The first strike consists of a minimal fine and the
ability to appeal it in front of the chief of police. The second strike involves an increased fine and
the ability to appeal, but only in court. The last strike is when the orange sticker can be placed on
the renter’s door, but cannot be appealed. If partying happens after the third strike, the landlords
and realtors can deal with the renters accordingly. In a college town, partying is inevitable, but
students should not suffer because they decided to throw a party that ended up out of control,
especially their first time. This policy allows students to not only appeal the accusations, but it
provides chances.

I am writing to you because with your support along with the Narragansett Coalition, our
community can develop a better policy that will overcome the flaws of the current orange sticker
policy. With your support, we can work together to develop a community of mutual respect,
rather than resentment and impertinence. With your support, Narragansett will remain a desirable
location for college students keeping landlords happy and the local businesses prosperous.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Annunziata
Sophomore, University of Rhode Island