Stern warning for University of Delaware students following wild party

Following Monday night’s party when hundreds of UD students spilled into downtown Newark, University President Patrick Harker penned an open letter to students saying “this behavior will not be tolerated.”

Several students were arrested after 75 police officers spent about an hour trying to get the unruly crowd of about one thousand students back under control.  Newark Police say there was some damage to cars and signs in downtown Newark.

In a sternly worded letter to students, UD President Patrick Harker and Provost Domenico Grasso wrote, “Make no mistake—this behavior will not be tolerated at the University of Delaware.”  The letter goes on to say, “To be sure, the vast majority of students did not and would not participate in such an embarrassing, dangerous and costly episode.  The few who did have cast a negative light on the University as a whole and on the character of our community.”

Harker says UD Police are working with Newark PD and the University’s Office of Student Conduct to take action against those responsible for the Monday night incident.  “Students who violate [UD’s Code of Conduct] risk sanctions including expulsion,” Harker and Grasso wrote.

School leaders also point out how incidents like what happened on Monday can impact the school’s reputation.  “This is not only a matter of institutional reputation, but one of personal integrity.  Let’s work together to make sure this is an institution where all can feel safe and in which all can take pride.”

The two students who hosted the original party at a house on S. College Ave. are facing charges for underage drinking, noise after 9 p.m., and failing to obtain a special event permit.