Issue date: April, 10, 2003

Officials offer reward for tips, decry inappropriate actions during disturbances

MSU President Peter McPherson and East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows decried the behavior of a few destructive individuals after two incidents on and off campus during the weekend of March 28.

“We are disappointed and dismayed at the conduct of those in our community who acted so irresponsibly and inappropriately,” McPherson and Meadows said in a joint statement.

“There will be consequences for inappropriate behaviors on and off campus.”

Thousands of revelers set fires, flipped cars and destroyed property, causing more than $40,000 in damage in two separate disturbances.

MSU and East Lansing police are offering rewards of up to $2,500 for information leading to arrests. Officials encourage tipsters to visit the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety’s Web site to identify potential suspects, at www.dpps.msu.edu, or to call 353-3169.

Officials also requested citizens provide them with still photographs and videos from the scene to identify additional lawbreakers.

The university temporarily suspended two students alleged to have participated in the disturbances, said Lee June, vice president for student affairs and services.

“These actions have been taken because it is believed that the students are in violation of either the general student regulations or student disorderly conduct policy,” June said. “Therefore, an immediate action was taken.”

The cases of eight other students also are moving through the university’s judicial process.

University policy dictates that suspended students may petition for reinstatement to the university pending the final resolution of their cases.

Suspensions can range from semesters to years.