June 7, 2001

Contact: Robert Lowery (509-963-1487, fax 509-963-2301, email: loweryr@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Central Washington University President Jerilyn S. McIntyre has pledged continued university support to the City of Ellensburg in working to curb large gatherings such as the one that took place off-campus last Saturday night in the city's north end.

An estimated 500 people, including CWU students, were involved in what became a disturbance with noise ordinance violations, public drinking and minor property damage. No injuries were reported nor were arrests made during the event that broke up about 8 p.m.

In a letter sent yesterday (Wednesday, June 6) to Ellensburg Mayor John Perrie, Police Chief Bob Richey and City Manager Ted Barkley, McIntyre noted, "(W)e are concerned about the conduct of our students both on and off campus, and we recognize that behavior of the sort displayed last weekend erodes the respect Ellensburg residents have for our students and for the university. We simply do not condone this kind of behavior and regret particularly the inconvenience that was caused to residents who live nearby."

McIntyre also praised Ellensburg police, who had primary jurisdiction, for their sensitive handling of the incident, adding, "Largely as a result of their good judgment, the gathering dissolved without injury and with only limited -- though certainly regrettable and unacceptable -- damage to property."

CWU and city officials have routinely cooperated on ways to keep unlawful activity and disruptive behavior to a minimum. In response to those collaborative efforts, the university has a database of student conduct incidents both on and off campus, parental notification policy for incidents of underage drinking, campus-community alcohol and other drug task force, and is addressing traffic enforcement concerns.

"Still, the events of the past weekend suggest there is more to do," McIntyre added.

She suggested that representatives from the university and city should soon meet to explore additional strategies to encourage and support positive social behavior by university students and promote productive interactions between students and city residents.