UMass Amherst Plans Swift Disciplinary Action Following Post-Football Game Riot on Campus

Dec. 16, 2006

Contact:

Ed Blaguszewski 413/545-0444

AMHERST, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts Amherst will take swift disciplinary action against students involved in a riot that occurred in the Southwest residential area following Friday night’s NCAA championship football game that was held in Chattanooga, Tenn.

At 11:10 p.m., approximately 10 minutes after completion of the game, more than 1,800 students began surging into the plaza of Southwest. UMass Police said a riot ensued, resulting in injuries to two officers; the arrest of 11 people, including 10 students, and substantial property damage. The disturbance ended about 1:50 a.m.

Michael Gargano, vice chancellor for student affairs and campus life, said students will be disciplined, which may include expulsion from the university and loss of this semester’s academic record. “I’m outraged and terribly disappointed in the students involved in this disturbance,” said Gargano. “Whether they were active participants, urging on lawbreakers, or being bystanders, they in some way contributed to what transpired. This type of behavior hurts the majority of our students who are studying and preparing for final exams and are at the university for all the right reasons.” Gargano said alcohol and substance abuse played a significant role in creating the disturbance.

UMass Police Chief Barbara O’Connor said more people may be charged following the review of digital video from security cameras and building swipe-card records. Gargano said this review could lead to university discipline for additional students.

Campus spokesman Ed Blaguszewski said police were pelted with bottles, cans, rocks, trash cans and bicycles. Some small fires were set, and a large number windows along the plaza were smashed. More than 60 officers in riot gear, including UMass Police, Amherst Police and State Police, were on the scene. They used pepper ball, sting ball, flash bangs and smoke to eventually disperse the crowd. One UMass officer and one Amherst officer suffered what are believed to be minor injuries.

The students arrested face charges of disorderly conduct and failure to disperse. A damage estimate is not expected to be available until early next week.

UMass lost the Division 1-AA championship football game 27-17 to Appalachian State in Chattanooga, Tenn.

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