So Cedar Fest is making a comeback this year... riots?

[JMSparty08]

Originally Posted by ArtOfficial

This wasn't going to be such a big deal until the administration and the city of East Lansing started flipping ***** over it. The letters to the residence hall kids, the emails to MSU employees, the mobilization of more police units than I think would have been necessary...they've let the students know that they're afraid, and like a cornered dog, I think the cops are going to overreact. If the police hadn't become so involved or given the event so much press, it would be just like any other busy night in Cedar Village. Instead, I'm afraid it's going to turn into a huge Us and Them thing, and Them will most likely use their resources in a way that the situation doesn't call for, because Them are afraid that Us will get a little too rowdy.

I don't know about that tho. I think the students earned a little more respect of the ELPD and the administration because St. Paddy's day was one of the calmest in recent memory. Yeah there were people outside and stuff, but for the most part people were very well behaved. I think the students have earned the benefit of the doubt and while the ELPD will be there in full force, I don't expect them to act unless someone starts a fire or it gets too out of control.

[JMSparty08]

Also, in the case that they do come down like Nazi's, can the lawyers on here brief us on our rights?

Specifically, when are the police allowed to enter a residence and hand out MIPs? I've got some underage people coming over even though most will be 21. We're going to try and not attract attention to our apartment by keeping the stereo at a reasonable volume and such, but is that enough or can I expect them to be going door-to-door and checking out the parties and the partygoers?

[CORNER BLITZ]

Originally Posted by JMSparty08

I don't know about that tho. I think the students earned a little more respect of the ELPD and the administration because St. Paddy's day was one of the calmest in recent memory. Yeah there were people outside and stuff, but for the most part people were very well behaved. I think the students have earned the benefit of the doubt and while the ELPD will be there in full force, I don't expect them to act unless someone starts a fire or it gets too out of control.

[JMSparty08]

Originally Posted by CORNER BLITZ

What's to laugh at? The ELPD themselves said that it was a very calm day with limited arrests and citations. It got plenty of positive publicity.

[CORNER BLITZ]

Originally Posted by JMSparty08

What's to laugh at? The ELPD themselves said that it was a very calm day with limited arrests and citations. It got plenty of positive publicity.

that will have absolutely zero affect on today and just because it was calm does not mean they now have more respect for us and won't be ready to rain tear gas upon cedar village at the drop of a hat

[JMSparty08]

Originally Posted by CORNER BLITZ

that will have absolutely zero affect on today and just because it was calm does not mean they now have more respect for us and won't be ready to rain tear gas upon cedar village at the drop of a hat

While it doesn't mean much, I think it's better than the alternative which would be a unruly St. Patrick's day with lots of arrests and citations. I would think that if that would've happened, they'd be much more trigger happy today so-to-speak.

[JMSparty08]

On another note, did anyone else see that they're trying to get rid of welcome week? Roommate saw that they're moving the move-in date to the Monday before classes.

[Yellowledbetter]

Originally Posted by JMSparty08

On another note, did anyone else see that they're trying to get rid of welcome week? Roommate saw that they're moving the move-in date to the Monday before classes.

sucks for live ins, makes welcome week longer for off campus students...move in would be a week before dorms, and with 2 days of class the first week, welcome week would continue into labor day weekend

[JMSparty08]

Originally Posted by Yellowledbetter

sucks for live ins, makes welcome week longer for off campus students..e in would be a week before dorms, and with 2 days of class the first week, welcome week would continue into labor day weekend

That's what I thought. Seems like they're creating a whole different kind of party week.

[Twich]

I know the real meat of the party won't get going until nightfall, but what's it looking like over there right now?

[chitownsparty86]

There was a decent amount of ppl out last I saw

[Spartyhound]

Hey We are going streaking! Who wants to join?

[A. Allen]

By the way, just arriving in my MSU Webmail inbox a few hours ago, a statement from our "esteemed" police department from yesterday. I haven't seen it posted here yet, so here you go...

Cedar Fest Partiers will Risk Significant Consequences

April 4, 2008

EAST LANSING, Mich. — In response to significant misinformation and hype surrounding an event entitled Cedar Fest, the City of East Lansing and Michigan State University (MSU) are issuing this joint statement advising people to forgo participation.

“It’s really simple, don’t go,” said East Lansing Police Chief Tom Wibert. “Don’t block the streets or sidewalks. Keep moving and avoid large crowds. If you don’t leave an unlawful assembly, ELPD has the legal authority to issue a citation and make arrests if needed.”

The following should be kept in mind: Illegal activities in groups of four or more are considered acts of rioting. Watching a riot is a crime and failure to leave an unlawful assembly may result in an arrest. ELPD and the Michigan State University Police will issue Minor in Possession citations to people under the age of 21 consuming alcohol and will also issue citations for other unlawful behavior, including failure to extinguish or notify officials when standing within 300 feet of a fire, selling alcohol and noise violations.

“Bottom line is we will be monitoring this event and issuing tickets if needed. We will also make arrests if needed because we have the responsibility of protecting people, particularly our student population, from harmful behavior and predatory behavior,” said Wibert. “Laws are different today than they were 30 years ago and so are the legal consequences and health risks associated with irresponsible behavior.”

“From the time we were made aware of this Cedar Fest event posting, we have partnered with landlords to get information out to tenants regarding the stiff financial penalties and consequences that may result from participating with this event. Students should remember landlords will monitor this event when it comes to damage assessment and illegal activity,” said MSU-East Lansing Celebrations Committee co-chair Annette Irwin.

“Although the university has worked hard to let students know what kind of behavior is expected at such an event, many may not understand there are possible serious consequences if they are charged with rioting,” said Ginny Haas, Director of Community Relations at MSU. For more information regarding safe celebrations visit Celebrations - Michigan State University.

If convicted of a misdemeanor or felony involving riotous behavior, state statute authorizes the long term suspension of students. Not only would students be prohibited from returning to their college, they can also be prohibited from attending any other publicly funded institution of higher learning in the state. Refer to Michigan Compiled Law 769.1 g of The Code of Criminal Procedure Act 175 of 1927, Michigan Legislature.

Now, I know nothing about this event, but it sounds like, judging from how ELPD's already buckling down for it, things might get very ugly.

[PRStoetzer]

Originally Posted by A. Allen

By the way, just arriving in my MSU Webmail inbox a few hours ago, a statement from our "esteemed" police department from yesterday. I haven't seen it posted here yet, so here you go...

Now, I know nothing about this event, but it sounds like, judging from how ELPD's already buckling down for it, things might get very ugly.

Just stupid. The way to control this is to let it happen and have the police there to make sure that nobody gets hurt.

Once they start to try to arrest somebody for something minor or write somebody a ticket, that's when things could get ugly.

[Tek Jansen]

I live in Shaw...I'm going to venture over there on my rollerblades and scope out some of the situation.

[Hightowerd]

Originally Posted by Tek Jansen

I live in Shaw...I'm going to venture over there on my rollerblades and scope out some of the situation.

People just playing catch and bbqing that's about it.

[SD Spartan]

look, it's 8:00, we need reports of arrests, beatings, tear gas, and couches burning out of control.....just make up something for christ sake...so far "a bunch of people playing catch and bbq'ng" is not going to get us excited

[Tek Jansen]

Originally Posted by ChuckNorris

People just playing catch and bbqing that's about it.

Yeah, that's what I got from it. It looked generally like a good time. Lots of people on their balconies, a good number on their front lawns in front of the the complexes, but way more people in front of the houses in the area. I saw 3 cop cars, mostly just sitting there, waiting for someone to make a mistake, but peacefully sitting and chatting, sometimes with some security people, but not very aggressive. No riot gear guys, either, but the night is young.

I did see one cop car pull out and stop in front of one of the gatherings in front of one of the complexes, and both cops got out to a small rain of boos from the onlooking crowd. However, whoever they talked to did a good job of diffusing whatever problem the cops had, and the cops returned to a larger rain of cheers.

Some relaxing catch and tailgating on the edges, but the heart of it has the large gatherings. I don't have a camera around, so I don't have any pics, sorry. If I was feeling it, I'd ask to borrow someones and upload a few, but I don't feel like running back over there.

[SpartyOnInChitown]

Originally Posted by SD Spartan

look, it's 8:00, we need reports of arrests, beatings, tear gas, and couches burning out of control.....just make up something for christ sake...so far "a bunch of people playing catch and bbq'ng" is not going to get us excited

Don't forget flaming dumpsters and tipping over cars!

[Spartan Stang]

Let the kids have their fun.

ELPD = order 66

[JMSparty08]

Originally Posted by SD Spartan

look, it's 8:00, we need reports of arrests, beatings, tear gas, and couches burning out of control.....just make up something for christ sake...so far "a bunch of people playing catch and bbq'ng" is not going to get us excited

Sorry to disappoint you, but the students are acting in a very calm, peaceful manner. If there wasn't a facebook event, you would just assume it's a bunch of people taking advantage of a great 60+ degree Saturday in April.

[JMSparty08]

A picture update at 8:30.

[Spartan Stang]

Originally Posted by JMSparty08

A picture update at 8:30.

Under E.L law...that is illegal.

Good work!

[JMSparty08]

Also, a video. They were chanting Go Green, Go White.

[JMSparty08]

Might have to wait for the video, it was just uploaded