The truth about why Guilford is acquiring Hodgins has finally been uncovered. The administration is leasing Hodgins to try and control the rampant gang activity that has recently been exposed.The gangs have had a recent spurt of participation, shown through the gang signs spray painted on the brick walls. The main gangs are Cotton Kittens, the Powdered Hogs, and the Bright Lights. The leaders are usually masked and unknown, but there is speculation that Martin “Country” Brown is one leader.

“It’s getting really out of hand,” said Ben Ardel, a Hodgins’ resident. “I always feel like a potential target. I try not to go outside after the sun goes down.”

Ardel had to correspond through e-mail due to fear of being seen talking to The Guilfordian. He was worried about being targeted.

Guilford’s administration knew about the gangs, but did not want students to know, so they tried to quietly lease out Hodgins in order to put a stop to the violence.

When asked how long the administration has known about the gangs, Randy Doss, vice president for enrollment services, said, “Knowing is a big word. We had suspicions, but also wanted to increase campus size in order to support increased enrollment so the school can get more money.”

One method of terrorizing consists of hiding behind trees and sniping students with paintball guns as they try to walk to class. Gangs are also toilet-papering rival gangs’ buildings, and smearing ketchup on the walls.

Each gang wears a different color. The head gang, known to the normal population as the Cotton Kittens, wears lime green. Those who are actually initiated into the gang wear just one article of clothing. Those fighting to get into the gang must be decked out at all times.

A gang member, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear, told the Guilfordian that if a participant is not wearing the designated color, he or she must sit in the corner and shuck corn for the whole house.

“The activities of gangs are not only scary and damaging, they are starting to become more apparent,” said Aaron Fetrow, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “Gang colors are starting to appear all over campus. Classrooms are a battleground for opposing gangs. They are throwing spitballs and having eraser fights during class.”

Campus Life is hoping that by leasing out all three Hodgins buildings, they will be able to gain some control.

“We are going to start fighting back,” said Ron Stowe, director of Public Safety. “We are going to be patrolling in our golf carts twice as often as we are now. We will catch those gangs red-handed and write them up.”

The golf carts are being armored to protect against paintball guns over the weekend in preparation for the higher level of security. Security guards are also going to put the Greensboro Police on speed dial in case things get out of control.

“Loitering has also been a huge problem,” said Stowe. “There are students always just hanging around outside the buildings, especially at night. Something needs to be done.”

Administrators are concerned that underclassmen are being dragged into the gangs. Freshmen wake up with gang signs silly-stringed onto their door as a message that they are wanted.

Other students are worried that if Hodgins security gets tougher, gangs will infiltrate on-campus housing.

“The dorms are loud enough as it is, and having gangs on campus would make everything louder,” said first-year Becca King. “Plus, they do not follow the Quaker values.”

Students need to be aware of this current issue. That way, everyone can protect themselves and each other during the now-treacherous walk to class, in class, or to and from Hodgins.

“We live in a dangerous time,” said Ardel. “And a dangerous place. You really have to be aware of your surroundings. You don’t want to find yourself on the wrong side of the parking lot.