University News
Letter to WIU Students
April 22, 2011
Dear WIU Students,
For the past few years, several students have organized a "Wheeler Street Block Party," which is scheduled, according to announcements posted on social media sites, for Saturday, April 30. This event has caused disruption to our community and has tarnished the reputations of many students who participated. Western is not a sponsor of, nor do we approve of this event.
We are most concerned about the "Wheeler Street Block Party" as last year's event grew to a dangerous size and there were many acts of vandalism and other inappropriate behaviors, even with police intervention. At universities around the nation and in our state, there have been similar block parties resulting in extensive property damage and serious injuries.
In order to be proactive and to ensure the safety of our students, there will be a significantly increased police presence on April 30, including the Office of Public Safety, the Macomb Police Department, the McDonough County Sheriff's Office and the Illinois State Police. In addition, residence hall staff will enforce enhanced security measures and access to the halls.
As always, we want to remind you that any illegal activities, including underage drinking and property destruction, will be punished to the fullest extent of the law and will also be subject to our own student judicial processes.
I ask you to consider how your actions reflect not only on you, but on our University as well. Inappropriate acts tarnish the reputation of our entire community and cannot be tolerated. They can also have a detrimental effect on your future, particularly in this age of social media and other online communications that many employers use to check backgrounds of potential employees.
Thank you for your assistance and understanding. We will continue to make your safety and the security of our community our top priorities.
Sincerely,
Al Goldfarb
President
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
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