In an effort to better understand celebratory riots, Ohio State, the University of Minnesota and the U.S Department of Justice held a two-day conference investigating the causes of riotous behavior among students and prevention methods to stop future outbreaks.
The meeting took place nearly on the anniversary of last year’s Michigan weekend riots. Contributing to panel discussions on riots were student affairs experts from various universities, including OSU Vice President for Student Affairs Bill Hall.
According to Kermit Hall, the president of Utah State University, the primary instigator of student rioting is binge drinking.
“Alcohol is recognized as the fuel for this behavior; the single biggest drug problem on campuses,” Kermit Hall said.
Janet Lillie, assistant dean for undergraduate education in the College of Communication Art and Sciences at Michigan State, said student boredom is another cause that can lead to problematic spectator crowds.
Nevertheless, most speakers reported riotous behavior has lessened because of increased police presence and improved community involvement. Disciplinary consequences through the judicial process has also affected students’ actions, as well as improved identification methods.
The celebratory riot conference is a good first step to shedding light on rioting across the country. Through the conglomeration of different perspectives and educated opinions, good points were made – especially when showcasing factors that lead to improvement in riot control.
Michigan weekend this year has proven some headway has been made. With no riots and only small disturbances reported, students and police did a good job of keeping campus under control. Officers broke up any large groups that formed in the streets, while dealing mostly with incidents involving alcohol.
When the conference ended Friday, a lot of people in decision-making positions walked away with useful ideas and initiatives. But stopping a problem such as rioting goes beyond discussion – by putting policies in place and getting to the hearts of the students themselves.
Lillie reported most of her students feel they have a right to riot. While on the surface, alcohol appears to be the problem’s cause, students’ mindset cannot be ignored as well.
The celebratory riot conference provided a precedent for more necessary meetings to take place. Through these gatherings, colleges become closer and closer to finding a solution to the rioting problem. But in order for the ideas generated to take life, everyone must participate in keeping his or her campus safe.
