Damage to door raises questions
When University property being used by a KU student is damaged, to what degree is the student responsible? Should he have to pay, for example, damages to the door of his residence hall room resulting from a fire set by someone else?
KU resident administrators, Templin Hall directors and the staff of the dean of men's office are working this week to define the financial responsibility of a student in such a case, William L. Robinson, assistant to the dean of men, said.
The issue was touched off Jan. 11 when someone set fire to the door to the Templin Hall room of Eric Parton, Overland Park sophomore, while Parton was gone.
Parton repaired the door using professional materials-sander, wood putty, primer and clear varnish.
His efforts didn't pass inspection.
Parton said Mrs. Margaret Reitz, the hall house manager, "took a fork and scratched the same area while I was in class one day."
Parton and his roommate were billed $20 each for the damage. Parton's refusal to pay has caused problems.
Ernest E. Pulliam, assistant director of housing, said the administration didn't condene Parton's patch-up job in consideration of future students. "When you pay for campus
Feb. 19 1969 KANSAN 13
residency, you would rather have a new door than a patched-up job," he said.
Robinson said any such financial case is going to involve financial questions for study.
When students doubt the validity of a charge against them, housing directors and the Dean of Men will gladly hold a hearing to work things out, Robinson said.
Several students questioned the cost of the door.
Larry Anderson, Wichita sophomore, said he was quoted a $19.95 retail price by Wood's Lumber Co., Lawrence. Pulliam, however, said he was quoted a $32.63 price.
The lumber company reported the lower price was for a hollow core door reinforced with fiber crosses. University residence hall rooms have solid wood core doors listed at $32.63.
This price does not include installation, finishing, fitting, hardware or labor, said Pulliam.
"So you see, $40 does not even begin to cover the cost of replacing a door," he said.
Parton said a letter from Mrs. Reitz requested that he pay the fee or drop out of school by Feb. 17.
Pulliam said Parton received a student account receivable billing, not a letter threatening his academic future.
"We have to deal with financial matters first, but because the students are our customers, too, we are going to be as good to them as we can," he said.
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