Post-MLK Polar Plunge Darty Marred by E-Coli Outbreak

Photo credit: Favpng.com, Blackhistorymonth.org, and stock.adobe.com, edited by Lauren Jablon.

ELON, NC– On January 18, a group of 31 Elon first-years gathered alongside Elon University’s beautiful Lake Verona to celebrate the contributions of Martin Luther King Jr. Passionate about leadership, social justice, and service, the students decided they wanted to play a part in honoring MLK’s life. After much deliberation, the students decided that there was no better way to use their day off from class than to create Elon’s first Polar Plunge.

“In all honesty, we just want to do our part in honoring MLK Jr.’s life,” claimed one Elon freshman. “Plus, it’s a perfect day outside!”, said another. “It’s a low of 27 degrees and a high of 48 – so, really just perfect conditions for a polar plunge!”

However, despite their eagerness and enthusiasm to jump right in, the end result was not exactly what the students had expected. Undermining the fact that Lake Verona contains Escherichia Coli, also known as E-Coli, 30 of the 31 freshmen that participated found themselves extremely sick by the end of the day. When asked why they decided to choose this body of water knowing this risk, one freshman responded, “E-Coli, or it didn’t happen.” Another said, “MLK didn’t let obstacles prevent him from achieving his goals, so why should we?”

Following the termination of the MLK Polar Plunge, the freshmen had scheduled what was being referred to as “The Fight for Your Rights Darty.” This was to be the largest darty in Elon history. Partnering directly with Sigma Mu Delta, they had all the details figured out. The darty was to take place at SMD’s off-campus house on West Haggard Ave. Upon entry, each darty-goer was to be handed a custom-designed T-shirt with MLK’s face photoshopped on the body of a polar bear and printed front-and-center. The darty was open to anyone and everyone. Upon entering the room, darty-goers would find numerous MLK drinking games, whether they be trivia-based, “I Have A Dream” Pong, Kings, or simply Stack-Cup with MLK’s face taped to the center-cup. When those in attendance worked up an appetite, there was a surplus of Oreos and Cookies and Cream ice-cream readily available for consumption. The theme of the party was unity – and what better way to symbolize unity than to have black-and-white treats? Ultimately, on their way out, each darty-goer had the option to choose between a customized MLK Polar Plunge scarf and a pair of MLK mittens.

While many of the original darty-planners had to pay visits to Elon’s Health Center to receive medical attention, some found a way to attend anyway. To them, the outbreak of horrid nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue, was not going to kill their day of excessive drinking and celebrating.

According to one freshman who was involved in the Polar Plunge, “This day [was] just too important to miss.”

The student recounts the story of making his way to the darty with a group of friends, despite their gruesome symptoms. In doing so, he describes his perseverance in detail, claiming that even when at rock-bottom, kneeling at the porcelain altar, “we knew that we shall overcome– just like MLK knew that he had a dream that he wanted to see prevail one day.”

Another chimed in saying, “This is what true unity looks like. This is what MLK would have wanted.”