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In my research, I think *a lot* about the use of consequences, specifically punishment, to modify or change behavior, of students in K-12 schools. In relation to Pitt's e-mail, which specifically uses the threat of punishment to attempt to modify behavior, I have a few thoughts.
1. Punishment often suppresses the behavior only when around the punisher. Therefore, it is likely that partying and risky Covid-related behaviors won't stop - they'll just do a better job of hiding them. This really worries me, because
imagine a situation in which a student is assaulted, harmed, or needs medical attention at a party. They may be unlikely to report it due to the risk of losing status at the university. This may exacerbate the potential harm caused.
2) Students reporting other students seems to be a primary mechanism through which covert risky behaviors will be reported. If white students haven't thoroughly examined their implicit bias, especially at a PWI, how might punishment disproportionately harm Black students?
3) The other mechanism of enforcement would conceivably be the Pitt Police. Increasing police and student interactions? Right now? I truly don't see how that ends well, or aligns with Pitt's vision to create more equitable and safe spaces for our students.
Threat of punishment may work in the short term, but Pitt must proactively plan for the side effects & potential harm mentioned above *if* this is their only strategy. Obviously, they have not adopted more proactive solutions (i.e. closing campus, online-only)
& I hope they modify their plans and close, as other universities are. However, the least they can do is consider the very real harm of using punishment-based enforcement strategies, and I hope they clearly address how they intend to protect against the harms mentioned above.
And to be clear, this is by no means an ENDORSEMENT of risky behavior. Stay at home! Social distance! Wear a mask! Please, don't play beer pong!
