UD Announces New Rules for St. Paddy’s
Photo via Flyer News (2019)
Michael Oliss | News Editor
The University of Dayton announced new safety protocols ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, including several bans, controlled gathering areas, a required wristband system for students, and increased police presence on campus.
University leaders said the changes are intended to address the concerns of UD’s community members regarding large social gatherings that occasionally resulted in “violent incidents, discharge of firearms, widespread property damage, and a dangerous number of emergency medical hospitalizations.”
Last year’s St. Patrick’s Day gathering led to some arrests and injuries, including an officer who was hurt during the event. Last fall, a student was hospitalized after a shooting on Evanston Avenue.
In an email to students, UD announced that this year, no guests will be permitted, including friends, parents, or alumni. Furthermore, only students wearing a wristband will be allowed to enter the designated area. The officials said that information on how to register, along with more information on the wristband system, will be shared in a future communication.
The message listed items that are banned from the designated gathering area: backpacks, large containers of alcohol (including BORGS), glass bottles, and glass containers are not allowed. Additionally, weapons of any kind and combustible devices like fireworks are also not permitted.
The University announcement said that the new rules will impact parking. C Lot will be closed, and other parking lots will have either restricted access or be closed. Street parking in parts of the south student neighborhood will also be limited. The email did not clarify if or how the added police and emergency response vehicles would impact parking.
UD will be collaborating with Dayton’s police and fire departments and other law enforcement agencies to “support safety” on campus and surrounding areas. According to the email, UD Police Chief Steve Durian and the Student Government Association safety committee will host an upcoming “Coffee with a Cop.” It did not provide details explaining what that would entail. The email said, “date, time and location will be shared soon.”