PENN STATE, BOROUGH TAKE PROACTIVE RIOT PREVENTION STEPS

University Park, Pa. - Penn State and the Borough of State College continue to take important steps in the prevention of any riotous behavior this football weekend and in the future.

William Asbury, Penn State’s vice president for student affairs, sent an e-mail letter to all University Park students in recent days describing the University’s expectations of student behavior as members of the Penn State and State College community. The message outlined detailed consequences of riotous behavior, including failure to disperse.

“The University encourages students to celebrate the triumphs of Penn State athletic teams,” said Asbury in the letter. “But celebrations need to be responsible, reflect the pride in your team, and more importantly, need to be within the law.”

The University and borough police and citizens also are taking proactive steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend, including:

• Large ads outlining the enhanced student Code of Conduct have been running in the student newspaper, The Daily Collegian;
• Increased alternative activities are planned for LateNight-Penn State in the HUB-Robeson Center and will continue for several hours after the football game;
• Pennsylvania State Police will be present with an increased number of officers, including officers on horseback - similar to the presence they offered during the Arts Festival;
• Peace Teams will again be in action around the downtown area;
• Buses will be on hand in the event arrests need to be made and arrangements have made for those arrested to be taken to Rockview State Prison for processing.

“Students were very helpful to us this summer in making sure the cycle of rioting connected to the Arts Festival was stopped and we anticipate students will play a big roll in making this a fun, and non-violent, football weekend,” said Asbury.

In the three riots that have involved participation by Penn State students since 1998, a total of 83 students were brought up on charges before the University’s office of judicial affairs. To date, 81 cases have been closed, with 73 of those students having been expelled or departed the University voluntarily rather than face disciplinary charges.

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Contact: Bill Mahon, Department of Public Information, at (814) 865-7517.