Placing the flag at half-staff is intended for the purpose of acknowledging the death of someone important or superior in society. The governor of Missouri executes this order when necessary. Then students and faculty are to take note and pay silent respects to the fallen leader. Unfortunately, it appears to be a constant issue at Southern. Students are constantly walking to class and in some cases are alarmed at what could possibly be a serious tragedy on campus and are then left to figure out what went wrong for the rest of the day. With no feedback as to what happened, people constantly want to know. Could there possibly be another way to go about the issue of honoring those no longer here without alarming the entire student body? Not to disrespect the deceased, but a flag at half-staff too often can really leave others in a panic.

Maybe if the event were in the news or maybe even on the radio the campus may have a better understanding of what is going on. If not for the recent hurricane, no one could assume anything else. Students have enough to worry about without being left in the dark about what is going on in the world because of the positioning of flags. Furthermore, not letting students know what happened and momentarily leaving the flags at half-staff actually treats the deceased with very little respect. Students may find it difficult to pay their respects if they do not know to whom they are paying them. If it were a student or a faculty member would students receive the same silent treatment? Maybe those in the respective authoritative positions should consider new methods.