Disturbances at BIG-C parties discussed at meeting with police

Students, administrators, and University Police met for 90 minutes yesterday to discuss ways of preventing further disturbances at Black InterGreek Council parties, similar to an incident at Houston Hall nearly two weeks ago. All agreed that the source of the problem is uninvited and unpaying guests and discussed ways to prevent further problems. And although nothing was finalized, increased police coverage, wristbands to identify guests, and locking some of Houston Hall's entrances were some of the proposed steps to keep troublemakers away. BIG-C representatives met with University administrators and police yesterday to voice their expectations and concerns for parties, which as recently as two weeks ago have needed police intervention. Through open discussion the group established that when parties are held in Bodek Lounge, the problems come from people just shopping for a place to go, not party guests. "There are so many people milling around and congregating outside," said Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., advisor Pat Robinson. "The numbers are overwhelming at times." University Police Captain John Richardson agreed, saying that normally the problems do not come from within the party itself. Students liked most of the ideas, but clear communication with University Police was seen as the key to making them work. One of the biggest concerns was voiced by BIG-C President Marisa Sifontes who said that sometimes, partygoers from the community bring weapons and there is little recourse that other people can take. Students told stories of times when they have asked people to leave, been refused, and had nothing they could do about it. Some expressed fears that even if they called the police, the uninvited guests would return with more friends and more weapons. Captain Richardson pledged that University Police will do everything in their power to make sure someone is there. Most of the 20 people who attended the meeting felt it was a positive step toward solving the problems. "What we are concerned with is the safety of the students," said Tricia Phaup, director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. "We need to open the lines of communication to ensure that." "I think this is the beginning of a meaningful dialogue. . . so we can avoid any future problems," Sifontes said.

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