Like many Northeastern students, I have had some of my best college memories during last call at Our House. I actually liked Our House more then most other bars; I would go there even before last call. I went there for my 21st birthday, and I would bring my parents there when they came into town. I would refer to it simply as “the bar.”

We all know what happened in that bar a few weeks ago: an innocent and bright young man lost his life in a tragic accident. Jake Freeman was a fraternity brother and a close friend of mine. This loss has left me feeling hurt, confused and angry. At first my anger was directed at God or whoever controls the fate of this world. As time went on, my anger has shifted toward Our House.

I returned to Our House this weekend due to a prior commitment and I was shocked to see no changes had been made at the scene of the accident. My father, who was with me at the time and saw the scene, said he was surprised an accident like this had not happened before. He could not believe how the hidden and dark concrete staircase with stained plastic around it and no railings could have not led to more tragedies. Ask yourself: before this incident did you even know there was a staircase in the back on the left-hand side? Well, neither did Jake.

This is where my fellow Northeastern students come in. Yes I know you love the bar; so did I and so did Jake. But they do not care about your safety. They will take your money, but they will not protect you.

Please join me in sending the message to them that we will not accept our safety being jeopardized. Boycott Our House. We are bright and compassionate kids, and we will not stand for this type of disregard.

We will not stand back and watch one of our own lose their life due to negligence and then continue to support the offender. Jake should not die in vain.

-Matthew Romano, a graduate of the class of 2007, with a degree in finance and accounting.