The Earl Hall gate closes way too early.

I am so tired of walking toward Earl Hall just to be told by another Barnard gal, “The gate is closed.” If you live under a rock and do not know it, Earl Hall is the most convenient gate to enter Columbia’s campus because it matches Barnards’ main gates. As a freshman, I thought this was how it’s always been until a couple of upperclassmen reminisced about the always open gates. 

While yes, the walk from Columbia’s main gate, which remains open all day, is not too far of a walk to get back to Barnard’s campus, it’s inconvenient. Why must I make that trek when there’s a more convenient way to return to campus? It’s almost like Columbia wants us to question our existence every time we walk toward that locked gate as if it were a campus philosophical dilemma.

If the gate must close, allow it to be open a bit longer. It closes at 7 pm, which is insane. My Intro to American Politics class in the International Affairs Building ends at 6:55 pm, meaning after a long lecture reminding me of the little power I hold in American democracy, I have to make my day even longer and exit campus through the main gate rather than the Earl Hall gate. 

I would not be this mad about this gate closing early because it only adds one to two minutes to my walk. What grinds my gears is that after the gate is locked up by outside security, they don’t leave. They don’t go and monitor the main entrance, nor do they enter campus and patrol. They sit down, blocking themselves off with barricades, and scroll away on their devices. Why are you mocking me? Why are you sitting there, reminding me of my journey to enter campus? 

For the love of all things good, President Armstrong, please open the Earl Hall gate. 

Main Gates via Bwog Archives