University Officials Clarify New St. Patrick’s Day Safety Measures at SGA Meeting
Photo via @flyhigh_streetwear Instagram
Olivia Gabel | Contributing Writer
University officials defended and clarified new St. Patrick’s Day safety restrictions during a Student Government Association meeting Sunday, addressing student questions about wristbands, parking, alcohol restrictions, and enforcement in the student neighborhood.
The measures were first shared with students in a campuswide email and include increased law enforcement presence, street and parking lot closures, and a ban on guests during the weekend. During the SGA meeting, administrators said the changes were made to reduce large crowds and prevent disruptions from individuals not affiliated with the university.
Limiting guests was named the most important part of the plan. Leaders noted that if each student brought even one guest, the number of people in the neighborhood could quickly double, creating an increased need for emergency services.
Casey Gill, vice president for student development and chief student experience officer, said that last year’s celebration resulted in more than 40 emergency medical responses and nearly 20 students being transported to Miami Valley Hospital.
Many students’ questions focused on a new wristband system that will be used in part of the south student neighborhood. Leaders said that students will be able to pick up wristbands the week before the event by showing their student ID. The wristbands will allow students to access certain controlled areas of the neighborhood, likely centered around Lowes Street, where crowds typically gather.
University officials said the entire student neighborhood will not be restricted, but students entering the designated areas will need a wristband.
Parking was another concern raised by students. Leaders said that there is no current list of restricted parking lots, but said that the U lot will be available for students to park in during the weekend, regardless of whether they have a parking pass.
The university also plans to prohibit glass bottles during the event and discourages the use of BORGs, stating that they have contributed to high levels of intoxication and medical calls. However, when a concern was brought up regarding students wanting to have closed containers for safety reasons, Gill said that closed bottles are OK. The gallon-sized volume is the main concern.
Leaders also said that they have worked with the city of Dayton to lease certain streets in the student neighborhood. Leasing the street allows the university to place a ban on weapons in those areas during the event, since open carry is otherwise permitted on public streets in Ohio.
“We’re not trying to take the fun away,” one public safety official told SGA members. “We want students to be able to have fun, but we also want to make sure everyone goes home safe.”
More details about parking restrictions, wristband pickup locations, and street closures are expected to be shared with students in the coming weeks.