He’s the overly energetic tall man with crazy white hair seen walking around campus, greeting students and becoming genuinely involved with all of Columbia’s activities. She is the outspoken and unconventional woman who is passionate about the visual and performing arts.

As reported in the March 9 issue of The Chronicle, Mark Kelly, vice president of Student Affairs, and Eliza Nichols, dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts, removed articles of clothing during the Feb. 23 Manifest kick-off event, igniting an apologetic response from Columbia President Warrick L. Carter.

It is common knowledge that administrators should be held to a higher standard when it comes to appropriate conduct, especially at collegewide events. Without question, it is true that maintaining a professional image is important when in a position of authority.

But for those who found their actions offensive, it’s important to remember the primary community Kelly and Nichols are representing, the individuals who make this school a running institution—the students.

Almost since its inception, Columbia has been a school known for its creative and unconventional approach to the college experience—which has been evidenced year after year as enrollment increases. An event that captures the Columbia experience at its finest is Manifest, an end-of-the-year spectacle, showcasing the creative talents of graduating seniors.

It is unfortunate that a situation so trivial has caused such a stir, especially when there are countless other issues the college could be focusing its attention toward, issues that students actually care about.

In the same issue of The Chronicle, Carter took out an advertisement, issuing an apology letter to the entire Columbia community for Kelly and Nichols’ actions, stating that “the opening presentations by two senior administrators were not in keeping with the expected decorum and behavior of senior leaders of this institution.”

This was completely unnecessary, as there were likely only a handful of individuals offended by Kelly and Nichols’ actions. Instead of taking out an ad space for an apology, Carter could have privately sent his apologies without publicly making an issue out of nothing.

If Kelly and Nichols were addressing a room of potential investors in business suits at a board meeting, then Carter is right. Their actions wouldn’t be cohesive with the expected “decorum” of an administrator.

It certainly was unexpected that Kelly and Nichols removed articles of clothing at this event—perhaps even a bit odd. For those who were offended, we hate to state the obvious—but this is Columbia. Kelly and Nichols were simply acting in good fun—something Manifest is all about.

We, as students, are proud to have administrators who aren’t afraid to show their excitement and spirit for this school,  who actively engage in the community that they serve. People like Kelly and Nichols make us excited to be here and celebrate our unique college.

Perhaps it would’ve been helpful for Dr. Carter to step out of his office and attend the meeting—otherwise, he has no room to criticize.