Purdue asks public to visit
Web site to ID students
From University News Service
Purdue University today posted about 100 images on the Internet of people
videotaped and photographed during the disturbance that began Sunday
night after the women's NCAA title basketball game.
"We are asking anyone who
can help us identify any of these people to contact police," said Purdue
Police Chief Linda Stump. "Every effort will be made to keep the source
of the information confidential."
Purdue has offered up to
a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction
of anyone who vandalized property in a four-block area surrounding campus
from 10:30 p.m. Sunday until 6 a.m. Monday.
The vandalism caused more
than $60,000 damage on campus, plus more in the surrounding area. More
than $22,000 in damage was done to 15 cars and vans. Another $10,500
in windows were broken in seven Purdue buildings.
The images were obtained
from video and photographs Purdue police and others took during the
incident. Those pictured on the Internet were among those who defied
police orders to leave areas in which the destruction and vandalism
were taking place.
"Those who were actively
involved in the vandalism likely will be suspended or expelled," said
L. Tony Hawkins, dean of students.
"Examples of such actions
might include starting fires, contributing fuel to a fire, breaking
windows, rocking cars or throwing objects."
In addition to identifying
the vandals, the university also is seeking to identify all students
who participated in any way, even as spectators.
"Videos and on-site observers
report that spectators provided the active participants with a cloak
of anonymity and many of them cheered for, and encouraged, confrontation
with police and vandalism," Hawkins said.
"Those who participated as
spectators or agitators will face at least probation from the university.
While on probation, students who commit additional breaches of the student
code of conduct may be suspended or expelled."
Hawkins said he anticipates
the Internet site will be of interest well beyond campus.
"We anticipate the images
also will be of interest to parents and employers," Hawkins said.
"Requesting public assistance
with identifying our students disturbs and pains me. I don't like having
to identify students this way, yet they need to be aware that there
are consequences for the choices they make."
University officials also
are meeting with campus and community groups, asking them for suggestions.
"We know the majority of
our students are as embarrassed and as concerned as we are," Hawkins
said. "In fact, many of them actively tried to discourage the vandalism,
and even helped extinguish fires. Now, we are brainstorming with students
as well as faculty, staff and community representatives for ways to
stop it from occurring in the future."
All Purdue students also
will receive a message soon from Hawkins, explaining the university's
concern and emphasizing the potential consequences.
Hawkins' office earlier this
week expelled one student for making an explosive device. Eight more
students face hearings. Police arrested six students as well.
The images and information
about the reward offer are available on the Purdue Police web site.
To reach Stump, call (765) 494-8221 or send e-mail to ljstump@purdue.edu.
The police photos can be
viewed at: http://www.purdue.edu/oop/police/
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