After Dean of Students Lori Berquam released a video telling students “don’t go” to Mifflin, junior Nico Rosenbaumstein said he would not be attending the May 5 event.
Rosenbaumstein informed his roommate Bubbles, a dachshund, about the decision after watching Berquam’s “thoroughly convincing” video.
Besides the Mifflin Street Block Party, the video inspired Rosenbaumstein to not go to other places. He did not attend his African storyteller discussion Wednesday. Later that night, he skipped his girlfriend’s a cappella performance. Rosenbaumstein informed friends, family and acquaintances in a Facebook note that “don’t go” is his new mantra.
“The video made me reorganize my life. Until now, I didn’t realize the places I was going were places I should not have been going,” Rosenbaumstein said. “All I want is to keep myself safe.”
Rosenbaumstein attributed his quick change of heart to Berquam’s point that Mifflin encourages “really smart people to do stupid things,” saying he had not realized the event could have such a “detrimental” effect on his life.
Moving forward, Rosenbaumstein said he will avoid human contact that could put him in danger. He already installed deadbolts and purchased psilocybin mushrooms to eat by himself next weekend in his studio apartment overlooking the Charter Street Heating and Cooling Plant.
Because of Berquam’s advice that students “take advantage of the many other things to do here in Madison” besides Mifflin, Rosenbaumstein will instead spend May 5 at the Karaoke Kid.
Berquam released a press statement after getting wind of Rosenbaumstein’s decision, commending him for his maturity.
“I hope other students realize that sometimes it is OK to say ‘No, no I won’t participate in that event.’ Rosenbaumstein’s personal choice should be seen as an example for all.”
Rosenbaumstein remains the minority, as 29,999 students are still going to Mifflin.
