Homecoming Dance Cancelled Due To 2008 Riot

 The homecoming committee, which has 19 students, decided against holding a homecoming dance this year. It was the first time in several years that a dance was not held.  The decision, which was made before the end of spring semester, was subsequently linked to an incident that broke out at last year’s dance.

 Some students did not seem to care about the dance being cancelled, while others were upset by the decision. Sophomore Michele DeLuca said, “I’m annoyed because two people starting a riot screwed up chances for those of us who like to go to the dances to have one and a spend a nice date night with their significant other.”

Law Enforcement Director Robert Klinger says that the decision was one made by student affairs and the decision had nothing to do with the opinions of law enforcement officials on campus. They feel however that the decision was a smart one.

            “After two years of incidents at the homecoming dances, it is good to have a breather,” said Klinger. It took the campus several months to recover from the incident that occurred last year, when a riot broke out among the crowd waiting in line for the dance.

A report sent out by President David Soltz explained the incident in great detail. A copy of the report can be accessed through Blackboard. In short, the report stated that a riot broke out after students became frustrated when their entrance to the dance was delayed. The delay was due to: the DJ being late, a blown fuse and an intoxicated student who had to be rushed to the hospital.

During the delay, students who were dressed for inside dancing, were left outside in temperatures ranging in the mid 40’s. Students began pushing and shoving, leaving front-of-the-line students to push into the doors and windows. In fear of students breaking the doors and windows, police officers attempted to move the crowd. However, even with additional police force on the scene and the use of bullhorns, their attempts were unsuccessful.

Around 11:12 p.m., a fight broke out towards the front of the line. The two individuals involved were handcuffed and taken inside. Pepper spray had been used to break up the crowd. Klinger said this was the least lethal of their choices, which included a baton or a gun.

 “The issue is that you have a ground of four cops, and 400 kids. We are outnumbered four to one,” said Klinger. “When people don’t follow police commands, it causes chaos.”

Klinger also said he would rather not have had this situation occur, but was pleased that no one was hurt, and that there were no damages to property.

After the incident, Soltz addressed the situation several times, through e-mail letters to students and staff and by holding a forum to hear student opinions about the issue. Since then, the campus has recovered from the incident and has come to terms with what occurred that night.

Klinger said that since the incident, law enforcement has been getting good responses from the students at dances. “Students are well-behaved and respectable,” he said.

According to Communications Direct Rosalee Rush, “The homecoming committee, made up entirely of students, is always looking to make the dance or other student-centered activities safe and enjoyable for all.” They will decide in the spring whether a homecoming dance will be held in 2010.