Now that the warm weather of spring has finally arrived here at St. John’s, Lourdes Way – or “The Strip” as St. John’s students refer to it – instantly becomes a place I loathe. While scrolling through my Twitter feed, reading Facebook statuses and simply talking to students on campus over the last few weeks, I have come to realize I am not alone.
The Strip is the long walkway between the Residence Halls and Montgoris Dining Hall lined with blooming trees and flowers where students who live in the Residence Halls have to walk to get anywhere on campus. Now it’s not The Strip itself I have an issue with, it’s what goes on there.
When I first got to St. John’s three years ago (woah, I’m old), I loved The Strip. I spent early evenings sitting out there basking in the few rays of sunshine left from summer. I would people-watch, chat with friends and once and a while I’d listen to people play guitar, further fueling my craving for that hipster-ish college experience.
But, progressively, The Strip changed. It no longer has an inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Instead, it’s now a place for rowdy parties to take place alongside bothersome catcalling and sensual dancing.
The transition began when I was a sophomore. I lived in Century Hall, the building closest to The Strip. I remember sitting on my floor, homework scattered everywhere, trying to cram for my last few finals. My bedroom walls shook and windows rattled as music blasted out speakers on The Strip. Out of complete annoyance, I often threw my papers in the air and looked out my window. The scene was always the same. A large group of students huddled around the DJ drinking out of red solo cups and dancing provocatively. I would immediately hit social media and vent my annoyance only to be reaffirmed in the fact a lot of St. John’s students felt the same.
At first, I was mostly frustrated that while my friends and I were pulling all-nighters, packing every last piece of information into our overtired and overworked brains, these students were outside blatantly partying on campus. But I have gotten to the point where The Strip is almost intolerable.
First of all, the catcalling. It’s an epidemic. It does not matter who you are or what you look like, if you are a female on this campus you have probably been catcalled at least once.
I have to walk by The Strip at least once a day and in the springtime it is seriously disgusting. Guys calling out at girls every sexual thing you can imagine. Comments as simple as, “oh hey sexy,” to comments so illicit I cannot even put them in an editorial. Sometimes, I will see girls eat it up. On the other hand, I have heard from so many other girls – and I myself can attest – who steer clear of The Strip as much as possible because of this.
Last year administrators sent an email to the student body addressing the issue of catcalling. Unfortunately, the issue still exists there, even if no one is speaking up. When I contacted Public Safety about this topic, I was told there have been no complaints about catcalling this semester.
“We continue to monitor,” Tom Lawrence, Vice President of Public Safety, said. “We continue to do patrols along Lourdes Way.”
That’s a good start. But there needs to be more done to stop this issue. I still think it’s a problem and I know I’m not the only one. A campus that prides itself in being safe and secure for students has a high-traffic spot where females like myself walk by knowing there’s always the potential of feeling emotionally abused this time of year, and that’s not right.
On top of the catcalling, there often times are students performing sexually suggestive dancing that can be clearly seen from Montgoris Dining Hall that has made me lose my appetite on more than one occasion. I’ve sat with friends in Montgoris observing the activities on The Strip literally in shock. And the music can be so loud that ground in the general vicinity shakes. Don’t believe me? Walk by The Strip between the afternoon and early evening hours of 2 and 8 p.m. on any day and you’ll see.
Next year, I am moving off campus. I will miss a lot of things about life on campus here, but I definitely will not miss my windows shaking during finals weeks because of the music or feeling infringed by comments and lingering eyes as I walk on my own campus. I also won’t miss the frustration that it continues to take place, that it’s not being stopped.
Freshman • Jun 12, 2013 at 9:14 am
Interesting article, I am actually an incoming freshman at the stj Queens campus this fall, and I was wondering about the freshman dorns. Which dorms would be considered the “nice” dorms and which would be considered “ugly/ghetto”? Unfortunately, I do not live in New York and have not visited stj to see the dorms; plus the pictures online are worthless. Thanks in advance to any replies.
B • May 14, 2013 at 12:30 pm
Sexual Harassment is illegal, “Sexual Harassment” is a legal term so the legal standard always applies.
Your post is part redundant, and part contridiction. You basically said sexual harassment is sexual harassment even when it isn’t sexual harassment….
Laanah • May 12, 2013 at 1:13 am
OMG DEAR JESUS! please tell me where in the world at ANY university will you get peace and quiet in your dorm rooms during finals week! PLEASE SOMEONE TELL ME! It’s college, if there’s not music coming from the strip, your neighbors will certainly be making the same amount of noise. And secondly, she lied!! She said she was craming for her last few finals. Uhmmm, I’m pretty sure all activities stop the week before finals even actually begin lol.
D • May 12, 2013 at 1:06 am
All I have to say is that I’m part of those ppl who like the strip. It frustrates me sometimes too when I need to study but you know what.. thats why I use the library! Smh, get a life ppl. Our campus is huge. MANY places to get away from the noise and study.
Anonymous • May 5, 2013 at 1:44 pm
I am a women and I don’t approve of catcalling, but I wanted everyone to learn something new.
Sexual Harassment must be ongoing. So in most cases Catcalling is not sexual harassment. The same guy has to be continually making advances.
LL • May 8, 2013 at 1:27 pm
For it to be illegal it must be ongoing but sexual harassment is sexual harassment regardless of how long it goes on.
Student • May 4, 2013 at 12:08 am
I think those of you who are labeling this author racist need to look at what she writes about. Upon minimal research, you will find that she clearly is not. She does not even mention race in this article. She’s complaining about the noise, and she is complaining about the sexual harassment. Heaven forbid someone have the audacity to think that a university is a place to study and feel safe. While I don’t disrupt people having a good time on The Strip, I have heard a multitude of sexual references that are not comforting to hear. I love the fact that St. John’s is metropolitan; in fact, it may be my favorite aspect of the university. I think it is also important to note that we are Vincentian and Catholic, and someone might have chosen this school for those two areas more than I did. Whether or not this author did, she certainly makes it clear that the activities on The Strip do not necessarily uphold these particular values of the university.
Anonymous • May 3, 2013 at 10:34 pm
So the people opposed to this article are saying two things: 1) Females walk away if you don’t like it (you lost credibility there idiots). 2) Sorry white people/anyone else who actually wants peace and quiet but we feel that we should be able to yell and play loud music in a place of learning all day.
When the school starts clamping down financially and giving out scholarships for sports management and targeting better students as they said they will this problem will fix itself anyway. I find it laughable that a frank discussion can’t be had without someone pulling out the race card right away. Not only that, but to defend harassment and stupid behavior.
Liv • May 3, 2013 at 1:25 am
In the email sent out by the administration addressing this last semester they refer to the Strip as St. Vincent’s Way. I thought that Lourdes Way was behind Newman Hall.
Further, is this an opinion piece or an editorial?
Anonymous • May 2, 2013 at 11:42 pm
Finally, someone has brought the disgraceful and distasteful culture of “The Strip” to the eyes of the entire student body at St. John’s University. I would first like to commend Shannon for having the courage to write this article. It was well written and not directed towards any particular groups or individuals. It was politically correct and addressed the issues at hand without calling anyone out. Well done, Shannon.
I personally lived in O’Connor Hall sophomore year and had constant battles with “The Strip”. My suite was on the first floor and faced Montgoris Dining Hall. As soon as spring sprung, my roommates and I would have to constantly hear the Hip-Hop and shouting of “The Strip” community and DJ Zeke. First of all, who the f*** is DJ Zeke?! He comes here, thinking he’s some great legendary DJ when in reality he’s awful and strictly plays music targeting the Black community. Why don’t we get someone who will play music that we will ALL appreciate since we are ALL paying for DJ Zeke through our tuition money?
Second, the hooting and hollering at the female passerby’s is absolutely disgusting. Some of the derogatory things I have heard out of the mouths of these hooligans “chillin” on “The Strip” have made me stop in my tracks and question if I actually heard that right. I cannot believe this behavior is allowed. How about you stop “spittin’ game at dem hoes” and act like a gentlemen?
Finally, being a White student here at St. John’s, I feel that I AM the minority when I walk through here. “The Strip”, as it’s so been nicknamed, is run by hoodlums who look at fellow Whites like we don’t belong and we should find an alternate route. F*** THAT! I am not a minority and I will not be made to feel uncomfortable by a bunch of poorly spoken, baggy pants, hoodlums! STOP THE STRIP!
Anonymous • May 3, 2013 at 10:38 pm
Yep basically this.
Anonymous • May 5, 2013 at 1:38 pm
Wow! This article may not be about race, but your comment clearly is. I sorry if there is one place on earth where your white privilege is not enough to make you comfortable.
Anonymous Poster • May 2, 2013 at 11:19 pm
Honestly, everyone’s opinion of the strip is irrelevant, whether good or bad. The strip is the strip. It will be there whether you like it or not. If you don’t like something, and it’s not killing you, then live with it. Keep in mind that we are all lucky to have this opportunity to go to college, and other people do not, so if some people express this on the strip, so be it. While I am indifferent to this article and the opinion of its author, I do not like the ignorance being displayed on the page. Have respect for yourselves, and for Shannon’s opinion.
AlphaMemphis • May 2, 2013 at 10:41 pm
I’m Tired of Walking the Strip & Getting Sexually Harassed. Ladies Keep Your Hands To Yourself, PLEASE. Don’t Get Me Started on The Music!!!!!! Take That to Carnesecca! I Do think this post is bias against “Ratchett” individuals. I haven’t been to the strip in a while but it’s sad to hear that females are out there “twerking” you don’t have to do that outside, I have a Twerk Off (pause) at my crib weekly, you’re welcome to come showcase your skills. Well that’s my 2cents. PEACE & LOVE ALWAYS. Laugh a Little Don’t Attack A Person For Their Opinions, We Are College Students, NOW is The Time to Address these issues.
Ange (Lei's non st john's friend) • May 2, 2013 at 8:22 pm
So, clearly I’m not a St. John’s student, but I did read this article. Catcalling is most certainly a form of sexual harassment and in some cases is just as damaging as non-verbal sexual harassment. The person that commented saying it isn’t a big deal should seriously go to a sexual harassment awareness workshop. It worries me to read a comment where people find it okay that women are being verbally harassed basically to the point where they can’t walk down this stupid strip. This article also has nothing to do with disrespecting any race. Sorry people are telling you otherwise Shannon Luibrand. Keep in mind that you can’t level with an idiot. They will pull you down and beat you with experience.
Lei • May 2, 2013 at 7:20 pm
If you’re pulling the race card into this you are totally misguided. Black or not I completely agree, being a female I absolutely do not tolerate being disrespected in any manner nor do I understand how it’s fair to chill around with spiked 7/11 slurpees and obvious solo cups like it’s okay. We follow the rules why shouldn’t you guys? The author of this editorial is much more of an advocate to St. John’s than any of the people that partake in this kind of behavior. The cat calling is harassment – you want your party outdoors? have these things on the great lawn or else where then, NOT by the dorms it’s annoying as hell. Also this is an EDITORIAL so an article such as this is more than appropriate to be this opinionated. She’s right this isn’t a block party, it’s a school we are not at a large enough campus for these kind of things to take place as often as they do. So at least respect the other side’s opinion.
CMVB • May 2, 2013 at 6:07 pm
I live on the sixth floor of a freshman dorm building and it’s so frustrating to open my window while I sit in bed to do work (I don’t like working in the library, it’s my preference just like partying on the strip and not on the great lawn or wherever is yours) and listen to these horrible mixes of annoying songs played from 2-8 pm. If these strip parties are supposed to cater to everyone’s tastes on campus, why are horrible mixes of dubstep and hip hop songs played constantly? Where’s the rock? The country? There’s so many diverse music tastes on this campus and I constantly only hear hip hop. Annoying. Also, unwelcome sexual advances of any time, verbal or no is sexual harassment. Catcalling that is unwelcome is still a form of harassment. Don’t justify your rude behavior.
Kate • May 2, 2013 at 5:43 pm
Everyone has the right to say their opinion. Now I will say mine, I HATE THE STRIP.
Leslie • May 2, 2013 at 4:58 pm
I agree that this piece would be a lot more effective if it focused just on the sexual harassment issue rather than on the annoyance of not being able to study effectively in your dorm room (which is a common occurrence in college and is the reason most college libraries stay open 24/7 around finals and have special quiet areas).
However, I take issue with some of the other points made by commenters so far.
Just because catcalling happens elsewhere (in Queens, in the world, wherever) doesn’t make the fact that it happens on The Strip acceptable. There’s a difference between street harassment off campus and St. John’s students catcalling female students on campus. Any student should feel safe to walk anywhere they damn well please on campus. Also just because this kind of harassment is “what happens” doesn’t mean it should be dismissed. It should be constantly be railed against until it’s no longer a part of our culture. It’s rude and belittling to imply that female students are ruining The Strip for themselves by being bothered by catcalling. The abuse is offensive and is not the fault of those being catcalled.
Don’t kid yourself, catcalling IS sexual harassment. Some women are flattered and like it, but some do not. “Unwelcome sexual advances” and “verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature” are both types of sexual harassment. It doesn’t matter if the person catcalling thinks they are or not. Women are not inviting sexual harassment by what they wear. You know why some women wear less clothing in the spring? Because it gets hot. And even if there wasn’t a valid reason, that wouldn’t be anyone’s business.
(Also, since when is a junior “old”? She’s only two years older than most of the youngest students on campus, wtf.)
Emily • May 2, 2013 at 4:16 pm
This actually has nothing to do with race, so anyone bringing that issue up is the one with the problem. And, remember this is an OPINION piece. Thank you Shannon for writing this, I have been having similar frustrations since I began attending St. John’s.
Patricia • May 2, 2013 at 3:44 pm
Always leave it to the comments section on the internet to have people tear apart other people’s OPINIONS with their own OPINIONS.
Catcalling = sexual harassment • May 2, 2013 at 3:37 pm
To Justin Johnson….
Catcalling IS sexual harassment.
Don’t try to undermine its severity by comparing it to groping, which is sexual assault.
The amount of scare quotes around the word catcalling in these comments is also disheartening.
Shawn M • May 2, 2013 at 3:05 pm
People are pissed about this article because.. its true. There is not even an ounce of racism in this, if you dorm at St. Johns you know the strip has this reputations – regardless of race. Anyone alluding to an underlying tone of racism please point out an example of it in this article… that’s in the opinion section. I know plenty of people that feel the same way as you about the strip.
Joe • May 2, 2013 at 2:06 pm
Damn, and I thought I was the whitest kid on campus.
This editorial seems to be less about the annoyance of The Strip (which, being an introvert, I’m not fond of either) in terms of loud music or rude dancing and more about the author’s concerns for her own well-being as a female student at St John’s. While I agree the misogyny and sexual harassment here is disgusting, I would respect this piece far more if it cut to the chase and didn’t pad the author’s real issue with a bunch of waspy fluff about college kids partying.
Kimberly Horadin • May 2, 2013 at 1:14 pm
“The Strip” shouldn’t cause you this much discomfort. At times like these, it is a place to enjoy the weather, attract other students, and provide information on events, clubs, and organizations. You should be aware that this school is very diverse and that you may not always agree with all of the things that occur there. Students work very hard to put together special events (NOT PARTIES) on the “Strip” just to get students together, and when you lack a main attraction like a DJ or Food/BBQ, sometimes a “simple flier” and a “meeting” doesn’t always cut it.
If you want to do things that make YOU happy, you have every right to go out with whoever you want on the strip, and play whatever music you want to hear. If there are students like you who feel the same way about the strip, why not contact those students and create an event or get-together to do things that interest you? I also don’t understand why you’re complaining about the things that go on OUTSIDE of your window. If you believe you cannot focus on your work because of nuisances outside of your dorm, why not move off-campus, or find a quiet apartment or townhouse to live in? Also, if you have felt this way before, YOU should have took the initiative to find another place that is more relaxing and suitable for you. St. John’s provides many quiet places for students to study during late nights such as the Library and Common Areas.
As for the “catcalling” and sexual comments, it’s not right, but you will encounter that wherever you go. Just because we’re a Catholic University, doesn’t mean that everyone enrolled here is a Catholic. You’ll come across disturbing comments anywhere, so don’t make it seem like The Strip is the only place sexual harassment will take place.
-Kimberly
Justin Johnson • May 2, 2013 at 12:40 pm
I’m not saying that this is racist… not going that far. But it might be.
This is so misguided. [1] YOU ARE OLD. No old person likes the strip. No old person likes Montgoris. You just grow out of it.
[2] The strip is an area that is only enjoyed in the spring and early fall/late summer, around the time when females wear clothing that isn’t the STJ sweatshirt/north face fleece combo. In other words, a welcome amount of attractiveness. It’s catcalling—not sexual harassment. You’re not getting groped like one seemingly would on Homelawn at 12am. See point 4 for where your article becomes hypocritical.
[3] DJ Zeke sucks. Can’t help you there.
[4] Sexually suggestive dancing? Have you ever danced anywhere besides weddings and church events? Maybe this represents a “Vincentian” b-s point of view… but definitely not of the students and I’m glad this only was published online.
[5] Some people, whether they don’t care about their schoolwork or actually know how to balance their workloads, go out to the stip to socialize. With their friends. Because they have friends.
This article is a waste of time and bandwidth. I get your opinion, but you should’ve just left it at catcalling… thats the only legitimate issue here.
Catcalling is sexual harassment • May 2, 2013 at 3:27 pm
To Justin Johnson….
Catcalling IS sexual harassment.
Don’t try to undermine its severity by comparing it to groping, which is sexual assault.
Ashley • May 2, 2013 at 12:17 pm
Okay 1. I’m appalled that the torch even let you post this, because you blatantly just called out everyone who actually LIKES hanging out on the strip, which is probably HALF of our school population, whom, by the way are majority of the population who even spends considerable time on campus anyway. 2. If you don’t like the strip so much, there are ways to go around it. I’m sure you and everyone who doesn’t like walking through it knows of them. If you’re not, get yourself acquainted. You’ve been living on campus for 3 years, you should be aware of this already. I had a suitemate who I would see walking from class back to our room often. She would stop and talk to me, and then when she would say goodbye, she would take the other route to her dorm. She didn’t let her personal dislike for the strip undermine other people’s fun. 3. You live in QUEENS, right near hillside, where you may have received emails from public safety warning people about all the females who have been “catcalled”, as you say, off of campus. Hello? This is what happens, regardless if your on the strip or not. And 4., It’s not fair for your to shine a negative light on the strip. It actually brings our school together. If you paid close enough attention, instead of excluding yourself and worrying about “catcalling”, you would see that. Greek like, residence life, and commuters all come together on one common ground to have a good time. We barely see this type of unity in the fall semester. Your opinion is all yours, that’s fine. But for your to post this article is, frankly, childish and biased. Maybe if you came with your friends for one day on the strip, you would see how much of a positive thing it can be.
the Sniffling Wombat • May 2, 2013 at 10:37 pm
1. Your facts are incorrect. This is a majority commuter school, and I doubt they take part in this.
2. Last I remember, this is an Academic institution. Therefore, I don’t give a flying [expletive deleted] what the majority thinks, the purpose of this school is academic, not party.
3. Catcalling may “just happen”, but that doesn’t mean we can’t speak out against it. We are within the perimeter of St. John’s, I would like to think that it’s safer in here than out on the streets.
Ashley • May 12, 2013 at 1:03 am
lmao ALL my friends are commuters, including me so thats where your wrong. Dont tell me I’m incorrect, when you probably don’t even hang out on the strip in the first place. Dont speak on things you dont know. Second, there’s a library, USE IT. 3. And 3. thats exactly my point.
Curtis • May 3, 2013 at 6:55 am
Some of the most immature people on the planet..
Amelia Johnson • May 2, 2013 at 12:14 pm
If you feel like you have been violated by the strip then that’s your own problem …there’s no reason you should try to ruin everyone else’s fun because you don’t feel comfortable. That’s your problem. This article you wrote is nonsense . Everyone comes to the strip to hang out. If you want a quiet place go to the library , sometimes things in life don’t go your way but you gotta adjust and change to make it work.
the Sniffling Wombat • May 2, 2013 at 10:30 pm
You sir, are a nincompoop.
The purpose of the strip is to provide a pathway for STUDENTS to walk from their dorms to either FOOD or CLASS. It is not to “hang out”, especially when hanging out interfere’s with people’s ability to study and go about their scholarly responsibilities. If you want to hang out, there are plenty of places to do that where you will not be in the way.
You must be one of the people who came here to party, rather than to learn. In that case, I’ll have a Number three with fries.
Delaney Walker • May 2, 2013 at 12:11 pm
I find this entire article offensive. We’re all college students, nobody here is dumb. We know that you are targeting a particular group and you might as well have just named this article “Get Black People Off The Strip”. I understand if you don’t want to participate, so it’s easy you can avoid the strip by taking the back way going around St. Thomas Moore & St. Vincent to your dorm. I honestly don’t see whats wrong with students enjoying warm weather by being outside and listening to music. You seemed to enjoy when guitar players were outside. Is it an issue that the guitar music and your friends have been replaced by hiphop music and African American students? I think this article should be taken down because it has offended me and many other students….
the Sniffling Wombat • May 2, 2013 at 10:25 pm
Actually, I don’t think the author mentioned race at all in this article…
I also noticed that you said that “if you don’t want to participate, so it’s easy you can avoid the strip by taking the back way going around St. Thomas Moore & St. Vincent to your dorm”. We ARE all college students, which, despite what television tells you, entails a desire to gain knowledge. We college students must walk to our classes or to get food, and the most convenient way to do that is the strip. The strip’s intrinsic purpose is transportation to and from classes/food attainment areas. The purpose of the strip is not to block the way of those who pay a few thousand dollars to LEARN. It is transportation. If you want to have these events, get them out of the way of those who don’t want to participate. There are plenty of places to blast music and dance. If on my path to class my eardrums are in danger or rupturing, there may be a problem.
Also, you compare this with guitar players outside. When was the last time a guitar player obstructed the path of anyone? When was the last time students complained that they couldn’t study, because someone was playing guitar on the strip too loudly? Damn, all I hear is hip hop…
Danielle • May 2, 2013 at 12:03 pm
I’m so sorry you feel this way about the strip. St. John’s is a very diverse campus so while yes you will see people playing guitar on the strip adding to the “hippy” college experience, you will also see students listening to a DJ dancing “seductively”. St.John’s does not only cater to one type of student or race. They allow students that are active on campus to hold these cookouts to celebrate the end of the semester as well as enjoy nice spring days. The library is open 24/7 for students that were unfortunately too busy during the semester to actually pay attention during class and need to cram everything they can in their overworked brain. Its the diversity of this campus and the events that take place on this campus that attract many students. Not only is St.John’s a great academic institution but it also provides you with the full college experience of fellowshipping with like minded students in any way they deem appropriate. So while you don’t agree with students using a public space to hang out and express themselves the school does.
Briana • May 9, 2013 at 7:44 pm
Danielle,
From what I and the rest of this world knows, dorm rooms are supposed to be where students reside when the school semester is in session. Yes, the WHOLE session. So, with that being said, not a single student should ever feel uncomfortable enough to not want to go back to their dorm room for anything. You should be able to study, eat, sleep, whatever without any disturbances whatsoever. The fact that you are assuming that the writer was possibly “too busy during the semester to actually pay attention during class and needs to cram everything in [her] overworked brain” is unfortunately ignorant; it’s unfortunate that you made such a poor assumption about her and the rest of the students that decide to stay in their dorm rooms to study. Did it recently become a rule that students aren’t allowed to study in their dorm rooms any longer? Maybe you can study with the booming music and trembling walls of the dorm rooms but I certainly can’t. I’d like to maintain my commendable grades AND keep the peace of my dorm room. I do not pay $50,000 to attend this university for nothing.
Oh, and while you may think that the school agrees with “students using a public space to hang out and express themselves”, you are most certainly wrong. Public safety has broken up the crowd on numerous accounts. So, good try, Danielle. Enjoy your music during finals week.