Temple Already Worried About Phillies Riots

It’s not just race riots that could be breaking out sometime soon. Temple University recently sent out an email to its students detailing the many ways they will be arrested when they celebrate the Phillies’ impending World Championship, when they riot. Or maybe it’s supposed to stop them from rioting. Dean of Students “Ainsley Carry, Ed.D.” wrote to students yesterday:

The Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays will compete in the baseball World Series beginning Wednesday, October 22, 2008. This is an exciting time for the City of Philadelphia and win or lose, emotions will run high. We want to remind you that a celebration does not mean that normal rules of conduct do not apply.

Unfortunately in recent years, post-game championship celebrations around the country have occasionally resulted in violence and destruction of property. In some cases, innocent bystanders have been fatally injured. The administration, faculty and staff of Temple University are concerned about the safety of our students and our community. Therefore, we want to remind all Temple students that:

• Students involved in vandalism, refusal to disperse, destruction of property, etc. will face both criminal and University Disciplinary action. Sanctions may range from fines up to and including immediate suspension. Surveillance – including videotaping – is heightened during the Series on campus and throughout the city.
• Temple University respects our neighbors and takes pride in our community. Celebrations that disturb our neighbors, damage their property, or litter our neighborhoods will not be tolerated.
• Coordinated city and state-wide celebrations will occur at the end of the Series; therefore, there will be ample opportunities for us to celebrate responsibly.
• The University will be open and operate on a normal schedule throughout the Series.
• Act responsibly while you have fun.

We need your help in assuring that the Temple community, including all of our students and neighbors, enjoys this moment in our city’s history safely. Please report your concerns to the Office of the Dean of Students or Campus Safety Services. Thank you in advance for your commitment to the Temple community. Go Phillies!!

Whoa! This World Series is so big it’s already forcing Temple to beef up security and install more video cameras. It’s also nice we now know Temple’s schedule will not change due to a baseball game that wasn’t even on the front page of ESPN.com ’til just a few minutes ago. (Umm, guys?)

Anyway, I’d like to report my concern. Does the dean really think the students are going to be able to celebrate the Phillies win without littering? From the tone of this letter everyone at Temple is clearly about five years old, I have to assume they’re going to little at least a bit.

Here’s to a safe moment in city history!