4/16/97

4/15/97 Statement by Ohio University Director of Student Judiciaries Richard Carpinelli following review of police reports on 4/6/97 Court Street disturbance:

ATHENS, Ohio -- "Students cited in connection with the April 6, 1997 incident will be notified in writing by University Judiciaries of the university's awareness of and concern about their involvement in the incident. In this notification, students also will be made aware that a record of their involvement in the incident will be kept on file in University Judiciaries and may be used as the basis for future disciplinary action should there be reports of future arrests in the Athens community.

"After reviewing the arrest reports of the incident, which included only non-violent, low-level misdemeanor offenses, I have decided not to bring formal university disciplinary action against those students arrested in connection with the incident of April 6. My position in this matter is consistent with the university's student code of conduct and with the university's general practice of not initiating formal university discipline in cases involving non-violent, low-level misdemeanor charges emanating from behavior occurring off the university campus.

"Meetings between city and university officials have been held and are continuing to be held with a mutual goal of continuing to develop effective lines of communication, including lines of communication with students, in order to create a clearer understanding of expectations and appropriate behavior of all parties in emergency and non-emergency situations.

"While this incident is seen as an isolated event, our plan is to bring the city and university officials and students together to clarify expectations for the future."