In the March 5 publication of The Collegian, as part of the regularly occurring Campus Speak feature, the Opinion page included a series of interviews with students about participation in the annual Rogue Festival, accompanied by Campus Speak̢۪s companion video on The Collegian Online.

As none of the interviewees planned on attending the festival, the conversation quickly turned to whether moving the location would affect their attendance.

Aside from the fact that nearly all of the students suggesting that they might attend if the Rogue Festival were nearer, or even on campus, many also expressed qualms about the Tower District in general.

“I’ve heard it’s not very safe to be there at night,â€Â one respondent told The Collegian.

This, while just across the street from Fresno State, University Village is facing a lawsuit charging the apartment complex with negligence, asserting they did not do all they could to avoid last May̢۪s shooting, resulting in the death of resident Brant Daniels.

We shouldn’t allow whatever stigma the Tower District might have — particularly in the wake of the quickly developing North Fresno areas like River Park — keep us from participating in the culture of that part of Fresno.

We believe the Rogue Festival represents a declaration of Fresno’s commitment to art, and that this is more important than assuaging our fears about the “dangerousâ€Â parts of town.

We must support the Rogue Festival and the Tower District in general, lest the common complaint come true — there really will be nothing to do in Fresno.