The Denver Post
CSU vows rioting crackdown
Tuesday, August 24, 2004 -
Fort Collins - Colorado State University and municipal officials vowed Monday to deal harshly with anyone who took part in two riots over the weekend that damaged property, injured some and left many more worrying about the school's reputation.
Five students have been suspended and await disciplinary hearings late this week that could result in expulsion. Eighteen other students face judicial hearings over their roles in the rioting that brought SWAT teams and tear gas into neighborhoods just blocks from the main campus. "We want to send a message that this type of activity will not be tolerated," said Tom Milligan, assistant vice president for university relations. "Those involved will be swiftly and severely dealt with." Three people were arrested in connection with the Friday night riot on Howes Street, followed by two more arrests in connection with the fracas at Plum and Bluebell streets on Saturday night, just west of campus. Those charges range from failure to obey a lawful order during a riot and disobedience during riot conditions to being a minor in possession of alcohol. None are felonies. No other charges are immediately pending, but police will continue their investigation, including reviewing videos taken both nights, Fort Collins police spokeswoman Rita Davis said. City and CSU officials met Monday to talk about plans and possible changes in ordinances to head off any more disturbances. Fort Collins Mayor Ray Martinez said the city should have talked to students sooner about the repercussions they face if they choose to riot. He also said the city may consider a new ordinance banning parties of 30 or more people. "We need to take pre-emptive action," Martinez said. "We know something like this is coming down and yet it happens every year." A similar riot erupted last year just after classes ended in the spring. "We'd like to think this is not becoming a tradition here," said senior J.J. Babb, an editor of the student newspaper, The Rocky Mountain Collegian. Students who live along narrow Plum Street, where the riot broke out Saturday night, said alcohol helped fuel crowds of people that swelled to nearly 1,000. "They just had too much booze," 20-year-old junior Ben Malotte said. Staff writer Monte Whaley can be reached at 303-726-8674 or mwhaley@denverpost.com . |