Daily Egyptian Reporter 10

Positive changes in the atmosphere between the city of Carbondale and the SIUC student body means there is no need for Undergraduate Student Government to push for responsible student behavior during Halloween, USG members say.

USG President Dave Vingren said that because of increased student respect for the city, there is no need for USG to encourage students to party responsibly.

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I think Halloween weekend will be like every other weekend, Vingren said. Students probably will take the Strip in a peaceful manner.

Following the 1996 riots, USG considered various initiatives to curb potential violent student behavior, such as convincing local businesses owners to display placards in their stores encouraging students to party responsibly. Such measures are no longer considered necessary, Vingren said.

In 1996, late-October rioters damaged eight businesses, destroyed two railroad crossing gates and damaged various private properties. Police arrested 27 people in connection with the riot.

During Vingren’s campaign for USG presidency last spring, he suggested some sort of neighborhood block party to help bring students and the city together.

The city did sponsor an activity similar to that idea in September. First Cellular’s Main Street Pig-Out was hailed by USG and Graduate and Professional Student Council as a successful demonstration of student/city relations.

Steve Dunker, USG city affairs commissioner, said that by working with the city to lower the bar-entry age and put a cap on towing prices, SIUC students have developed an increased pride and respect for Carbondale.

I think things will go smoothly during Halloween because we (students) have taken more interest in the city, he said.

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Dunker also said the chance of a riot is lessened because students respect the work the city has done that affects students.

Jim Pawlak, USG student affairs commissioner, said that because students have no reason to be angry with the city, there is little chance of a disturbance.

I don’t think we’ll have the problems we had last year, Pawlak said.