The recent, controversial removal of three couches from H Courtyard has generated shock and outrage from much of the Class of ’07, but the administrators dealing with the matter are unlikely to cave in to the class’s pressure.
The first of three couches was moved into the Courtyard on Friday, September 29, by Phil P. ’07, Josh K. ’07, and Justin L. ’07. Two more couches followed it on Friday, October 6. The couches were subsequently removed because they lacked tags certifying them as flame-resistant and because the administration hadn’t approved them.
Without tags, the couches are assumed to be non-flame-resistant according to the Codes and Standards of the National Fire Protection Association, which states, “Furnishings and decorations in educational occupancies shall be flame resistant in accordance with NFPA 701, entitled Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films.” The code is enforced by the State through an annual inspection performed by TST Boces Employee Sandra Yorke.
K. said that he understands the facilities staff’s enforcement of fire code in this case, although he does not believe that students should have to receive the administration’s approval before moving furniture into the courtyard. Student Activities Director Emily Hess countered this opinion, saying that the administration’s approval is not the issue. If the seniors follow the flame-retardant guidelines in the future they will most likely receive clearance from the administration.
The first couch, purchased by P., was received with enthusiasm from seniors and confusion from the administration. In fact, when K., L., and P. brought in the second and third couches, which K. provided, on the following Friday, the staff was still miffed by the mysterious first couch. “The person who came to talk to us and complain said that [the staff] had been trying to figure out where the other couch had come from. So I guess they finally found their man,” said K., recalling the incident.
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