U will launch website to identify rioters

The University of Minnesota will post images from a party that turned violent, hoping people will come forward to share names.

By ABBY SIMONS, Star Tribune

Last update: April 28, 2009 - 7:56 PM

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University of Minnesota administrators will soon launch a website featuring photos of a campus party that turned into a riot in hopes of identifying students who may have violated a conduct code during the Saturday night melee.

Meanwhile, the editor in chief of the campus newspaper said the 1,000-plus photos taken by staff photographers will not be used on the site if the intention is to punish students.

While six students who were ticketed by police are being called forward by administrators to face review under the school's conduct code, the website will host photos and video clips, along with a plea to viewers to help identify additional students that may have been involved. Jerry Rinehart, vice provost for student affairs at the U, said the strategy was effective in netting disorderly students during the 2002 hockey championship riot.

"The last time we had to do this, enough people cared about the community to come forward and identify those who were involved," Rinehart said. "Clearly no one likes to be a rat, so I'm sure that will be an issue, but this is a case where the students are very upset with what happened because of the very nature of this group."

Sanctions for students, ticketed or otherwise, could range from probation or suspension to expulsion. Students will have the right to contest their punishment in a hearing.

Minneapolis police review

Twelve people, including the six U of M students, were arrested on counts including unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct. Seven of the arrests were related to the party in the 1300 block of 7th Street that swelled out of control about 11 p.m. Hundreds of partygoers tossed tree limbs into a bonfire in the street, attempted to tip cars and drew the attention of Minneapolis police, who showed up in gas masks and fired pepper spray and foam pellets. Students contend police overreacted, and arrested and used unnecessary force against bystanders.

Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan said he "wasn't pleased" that he didn't receive a call from his department's watch commander or another high-ranking official on the night of the riot. During a high-profile event, he said, it's typical he would be notified. Dolan did receive an e-mail the day after the riot.

The department will review the incident, which is standard procedure. Dolan said he hasn't received any negative comments about how his officers handled the riot.

Students had gathered to mark the end of Spring Jam, an annual weeklong campus-wide festival. Its future is now under review, according to Rinehart.

Those who may have slipped by police may not escapee the scrutiny of campus officials, who are fuming and embarrassed in the wake of the incident. At least one prominent alumnus has withdrawn an offer to donate to the U based on the melee, Rinehart said.

'Aiding some sort of investigations'

Rinehart said the campus will in part appeal to media organizations that documented the disturbance. Minnesota Daily editor in chief Vadim Lavrusik said he soundly rejected Rinehart's request Tuesday. "It's aiding some sort of investigation that is going to have repercussions on students and potentially their education at the university, and that's not something that news organizations do. We don't aid a criminal investigation," Lavrusik said.

Rinehart said the U is taking a closer look at Spring Jam. "We cannot have such a wild, lawless weekend going forward," he said.

Staff writer David Chanen contributed to this report. Abby Simons • 612-673-4921

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