At this year's annual Spring Fest, also known as "Quad Party," there were some unwanted guests, according to the students at Canisius College. Spring Fest is an end of the year celebration, which includes many activities provided by the College to commend the students for all of their hard work.
This year, however, the College decided to heighten their security at the event to pacify neighbors, school officials and the Buffalo Police Department after several complaints were made in previous years about off-campus activities that have gotten out of control. By heightened security, I mean, patrols from surrounding areas, State Troopers and even a SWAT team.
Michael J. DeGeorge, a Buffalo Police spokesperson said, "the intent was and is to make sure that it's a good, clean day for everybody involved...not to overwhelm or alarm anyone." Last year, DeGeorge said, there were “numerous calls for ambulances (along with) general recklessness, rowdiness, loud noise and underage drinking.”
A resident from the local neighborhood was pleased with the College's action of increasing law enforcement. She stated, "Because they don't live over here, they haven't had the experiences we've had over here."
Some students, on the other hand, were outraged by the "intruders." One student described the increased presence of the law enforcers as "overkill." Another student stated, "I'm glad to see where our tax dollars are going...for a bunch of cops."
Personally, I think this action was not only unnecessary but disrespectful to the students at Canisius. One day a year we have an opportunity to celebrate our achievements and we are punished and forced to feel like criminals. I think there are more important issues for the Buffalo Police Department and our SWAT teams to be worrying about. Drugs, violence and robberies are just a few ideas that come to mind immediately.
Not to my surprise, students who attended acted responsibly and only one arrest was made. Ironically, the sole arrest was not even a Canisius student. The young man arrested was 17-year-old Anthony J. Dubreville, a Frontier High School student who was charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, criminal trespass and loitering after he punched a Canisius staffer. Also, only a few tickets were written due to open alcoholic containers.
Hopefully Canisius College officials have learned a lesson from the students mature, responsible behavior at this year's Quad Party. We're not here to cause problems or wreak havoc. We are here to earn a quality education and have some safe fun along the way.
Please enjoy my package above!
For more information on this story, check out WGRZ Channel 2 at http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=57485 or BuffaloNews.com http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/buffaloerie/story/337947.html
Have a wonderful summer! :)
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