news-record.com

Greensboro College President Craven Williams doesn’t hold UNCG responsible for the actions of a student charged with destroying a nativity scene, and neither should anyone else.

The university can’t police 17,000 students at all times, especially off campus. In this case, however, it can help put things right.

Kevin Michael Feeley, 19, has been charged with injury to personal property in connection with the destruction Dec. 8 of the nativity scene displayed by Greensboro College on West Market Street.

The replacement cost hasn’t been determined, Williams said Monday, but the college spent $5,000 several years ago to rebuild just one figure. Beyond that, the life-sized artistic depiction of the Christmas narrative carries almost priceless value to the college and community.

Nevertheless, the offense is only a Class 1 misdemeanor, Assistant District Attorney Howard Neumann said Monday. A person with no prior criminal convictions could be sentenced to a maximum of 45 days in jail, but that term would be suspended — likely on the condition of making restitution, Neumann said. The trouble, he explained, is that "you can’t require somebody to pay restitution beyond his ability to pay." A defendant could choose to serve the time in jail instead, and the court "can’t make you pay and serve time."

Even 45 days in jail would send a message about the gravity of a mean-spirited and hurtful deed. But the punishment wouldn’t restore the damage. The university itself can address that issue through its code of student conduct and already has initiated that process in this case, Assistant Dean of Students Brett Carter said Monday.

In general, the goal when students violate the code is to have them accept responsibility and gain some educational benefit. Expulsion is an option in extreme cases, but restitution and community service are more likely. If its student was the nativity scene culprit, UNCG might be in a better position than the courts to hold him accountable. Even if full restitution isn’t possible, disciplinary actions that emphasize restoration and healing at Greensboro College will help.

That seems to be a priority. After learning of the charges, "We contacted their campus and apologized," said Carter. "We’re very concerned. Our students represent the university." UNCG will work with Greensboro College to come up with appropriate responses, he added.

The two institutions enjoy a "strong, friendly relationship," Williams said. That’s not in jeopardy, and there is "no expectation" that UNCG should make amends in any way, he said.

UNCG gives every indication it’s willing to exceed expectations. If it’s determined that the vandal is one of its students, the university can use its authority to promote a positive outcome. Like any good neighbor, it’s promising to do exactly that.