Letter: Police could have prepared more for unruly students
April 14, 2014
Whenever one encounters unrest in any society, no matter the size or age involved, we often ask why the unrest occurred.
Nineteenth century French sociologist Gustave Le Bon believed that people can become overtaken by a crowd mentality, and essentially, can cease to behave rationally. He argued that because people feel anonymous, they commit acts of violence more freely.
The unruly “students” involved in the Veishea rioting on April 8 are part of a generation disillusioned and perhaps fearful of their future and even the future of our earth. With the knowledge that upon graduating, they will be burdened with thousands of dollars of debt and a low percentage of promising jobs available, the millennials find themselves studying and working earnestly toward a shaky post graduate environment at best.
These students should be punished, however, and canceling the Veishea activities for 2014 is expected. But the university is not responsible for the riot outbreaks. The city of Ames and the Ames Police Department should be admonished for their lack of anticipatory security. Alcohol abuse and crowds of students in Campustown are nothing new during Veishea week.
Consider the University of Iowa and their security for sports events, campus rallies and their reputation for partying during such venues.
http://police.uiowa.edu/assets/Uploads/Records/BOR-Annual-Report-2013.pdf
No outbreaks of violence or uncontrolled crowds have been reported regarding the university since the late 1960s. This represents their proactive approach to their student body and visitors during times of possible social upheaval. Security is first and foremost Iowa City’s and the University of Iowa’s concern for their citizens and students.
Perhaps in 2015, Iowa State should take a different approach to the time honored tradition of Veishea and our current generation of enrolled students. Let’s combine tradition with some common sense, multiple security sources throughout Ames and the campus and limit the activities to a 3-day weekend of Stars Over Veishea, parade and open house presentations with a Saturday game and ending with an all-day outdoor concert venue on Sunday celebrating Iowa State with theme-based safety awareness flags, banners and booths.
This is not just a University issue. The city, police, alumni and students need to defend their right, as well as their responsibility, to continue with the Veishea privilege.
