Cry closet marks end of semester in Utah

Nick Fisk
Staff Writer

Students on both Hudson Valley campus and across the nation have been sharing their opinions on the University of Utah’s new temporary addition: the “Cry Closet,” a small installation in the University’s J. Willard Marriott Library that is meant as a place for students to “escape the stresses of final week.”

The room has black carpeted floors and walls and contains several stuffed animals. A sign on the door lists several rules of it is use, including a 10-minute time limit and a one-person limit during use at any given time.

Reactions to the closet have been mixed nationwide, with many expressing worries about the fact the room locks from the inside and is currently unsupervised. This feeling is shared among many Hudson Valley students.

“I think there [are] pros and cons to having it,” business administration major Josh McCart said. “I think it would help some students. I’m sure every school is different.” Kids could do drugs in there.”

Business administration major Aditya Sapovadia shared similar thoughts, stating it seemed “promising.” He also acknowledged the risk of such a structure, stating it “seems too risky.”

Sapovadia was in favor of Hudson Valley adopting something similar.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Sapovadia said. “There should be one — just open it during finals week.”

Sapovadia also suggested additional safeguards be put in place to ensure proper use.

Several more Hudson Valley students wished to share their thoughts but also wish to remain anonymous. To respect these desires, they will be referred to as Student, followed by a letter. Student A was the first to share his thoughts on the project’s viability.

“There are some people that could benefit from it, ” Student A said. “If someone feels like that would help [him or her] out, sure, but it doesn’t relate to me.”

Student A also expressed an interest in seeing one of these projects come to Hudson Valley.

Student B disagreed, suggesting the closet could be a liability for the college.

“It’s interesting that it’s a designated ‘safe space,’ but how could it be regulated?” Student B asked. “[An unregulated] safe space could become very dangerous very quickly.”

Several students shared the concern of proper regulation without breaking too much student privacy, among other concerns.

“I don’t think it’s that great of an idea,” Student C stated. “I feel like it’s geared toward other people. I think when you’re in college, you shouldn’t need a safe space.”

Student A also touched on a different point, mentioning Hudson Valley’s current systems and lack of knowledge around them.

“[In] our school’s buildings, are there other rooms that are safe spaces?” Student A inquired. I just don’t know.”

The installation was originally created as an art project by University of Utah student Nemo Miller. The University of Utah stated when creating and displaying the piece it was “an attempt at humor,” but it also recognized that it has promoted good conversation and discussion. The room will remain open and available for students until the end of the semester.