On most nights, Twisted Turtle is filled with people who are 21 and older. However, on Thursdays that is no longer the case. Twisted Turtle recently announced that during their “College Night” event, anyone who is at least 18 is welcome.

This news spread throughout Colorado Mesa University and made many students excited. Twisted Turtle was able to make this exception to ensure College Night is available to the majority of college students among campus. 

After attending this event numerous times, it’s clear Twisted Turtle needs to make another exception. People older than 29 should not be allowed to attend College Night.

This event attracts many college students because of the appealing discounted drinks.

It also gives students a way to bond with one another outside a campus setting. Kendell Crain, a junior at CMU, is a big fan of College Night.

“I look forward to it at the end of a busy week. It’s a fun way to relax and have fun with friends,” Crain said.

Unfortunately, Crain’s enjoyable night turned unpleasant when a 60-year-old man tried to dance with her.

This man approached Crain and her friends at the beginning of the night by yelling, “It’s my 60th birthday!”

They laughed, gave him a high-five, and walked away. About an hour later, Crain was on the dance floor when she felt someone behind her. She turned around and saw it was the same man she had encountered earlier.

He touched her thigh and started dancing close to her. Crain became very uncomfortable and wasn’t sure what to do. Luckily, security had been watching and told the man to step away. The security guards told Crain to let them know if he bothers her again. Crain’s friends stayed with her the rest of the night to ensure she felt safe.  

Sadly, many of us have stories that are similar to Crain’s. Students should not have to fear being harassed by older men or women when they attend “College Night.” The title of this event implies that it is meant for college students.

I am aware that not all students are in the age range of 18 to 29. I am also aware that there are people older than 29 that do not pose a threat to students. However, the fact that an 18-year-old could potentially be hit on by someone in their thirties or older is disgusting.

If Twisted Turtle can make exceptions to their age requirements to accommodate people 18 to 20; they should be able to enforce an age limit.

This would help ensure student’s safety while attending “College Night.” Enforcing an age limit would also make students more comfortable in their surroundings. It would be nice if we lived in a society where older men didn’t feel comfortable flirting with younger girls. However, until that day comes, an age limit of 29 is the next best solution.