Taylor Bembery
Associate Editor
“Get a room!” This phrase can be heard daily when students come across an overly affectionate couple on campus.
Public displays of affection seems to be getting out of hand. Couples can be seen getting pretty intimate on benches, in the Student Center and other public places at Jackson State University.
What could be the reasons for this trend? Is it the incoming freshmen utilizing their freedom? Could it be love is in the air, an indication that cuffing season has arrived? Or could it be lack of visitation hours?
According to lovepanky.com, public affection, also known as PDA, is the act of two people indulging in an intimate act in public.
Many students on campus think that the PDA trends are getting out of hand.
Aja Woods, a junior accounting major from Silver Creek, Miss., said there is a time and place for everything and that includes showing affection.
“I believe that everyone in college has the sense and maturity to make certain decisions but we all have to be mindful of what we do and say in a public setting. Public affection can be either acceptable or distasteful depending upon its given actions. For example, holding hands is acceptable. But tongue-kissing your significant other while taking a walk down the plaza while your professor may be walking nearby is distasteful,” said Woods.
Harold Johnson, a senior integrated marketing communications major from Chicago, Ill., said public affection is acceptable when boundaries are kept.
“I haven’t seen anything distasteful on Jackson State’s campus, so I would say we have done a good job of keeping x-rated public display of affection on a minimum. I think public affection to a certain extent deals with maturity. I always believe that what is understood doesn’t need to be explained or showed. Also in today’s world we are more likely to express ourselves publicly, we are becoming more comfortable,” said Johnson.
Woods believes however, that PDA should stand for PRIVATE displays of affection.
“They may be doing such acts to prove to others that they have the complete affection of their significant others. One worst case has been when I saw a young man groping his girlfriend’s butt while standing on the plaza. It’s distasteful for such to be done in public, but in private, to each his or her own,” said Woods.
According to the JSU 2013-2014 Student Handbook, getting too intimate with your significant other, in public or in a public place on campus can lead to serious consequences. Public affection falls under violation 2.30 Disorderly Conduct, Obstruction, and/or Disruption.
Disorderly conduct is any offensive or annoying act that disrupts the peace and can lead to a fine of $50-$200 dollars, probation, or community service and even suspension.
Some think getting too affectionate or sexual with your mate can should be considered disorderly conduct.
So students, before you think about going up on the 5th floor of the library late at night or attempt to get to frisky with your boyfriend, girlfriend, side piece, etc., remember that there are people watching.
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