UD's Pres. speaks about disturbance

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - After a disturbance broke out on the University of Dayton's campus during St. Patrick's Day celebrations, the President of the University is speaking out about Sunday morning's mayhem.

2 NEWS obtained an exclusive interview with Dr. Daniel Curran, President of the University of Dayton, Sunday afternoon.

Dr. Curran said when chaos erupted, he arrived on campus to try and get the students back into their houses.

"Throwing objects out of a house is totally unacceptable," stated Dr. Curran.

He said police from multiple jurisdictions responded to contain the situation, and responded appropriately, with the exception of one officer who took it too far.

"They came down to clear the people. I was struck with a riot shield, and other students were struck too," said Dr. Curran. "I don't think that students who were standing by themselves deserve to be pushed with shields or struck. That's not the way the University of Dayton is going to approach this."

Officers escorted the president out of harms way while they attempted to control the situation.

Dr. Curran said the priority is to make sure students have a safe experience on campus.

"Not only do you have to be responsible for you own actions, but you have to make sure you're taking care of other individuals."

The University of Dayton also issued the following statement to the media Sunday:

"While the vast majority of University of Dayton students were not involved in a St. Patrick's Day disturbance early this morning, the behavior of those who were is unacceptable and disappointing.

No one was injured during the incident that occurred at approximately 4:40 a.m. this morning after public safety officers responded to a false fire alarm at a residence in the 400 block of Kiefaber Street.

One person, who is not a University of Dayton student, was arrested, and 11 cars, including a police cruiser, were damaged. A number of area police jurisdictions responded, and the disturbance was quickly contained.  We thank area police for their responsiveness to this situation.

University of Dayton President Daniel J. Curran, who was on the scene encouraging students to go back to their houses, was struck by a shield from a police officer. University of Dayton public safety officers quickly escorted him away from the scene.

In an effort to ensure that any St. Patrick's Day celebrations on campus are safe, we are not permitting large non-University-sponsored gatherings today. Parking lots will be access-controlled to ensure adequate parking for students, faculty, staff and visitors for Masses, workshops, theater productions and other University events today. Students failing to comply with the University's Community Standards of Behavior will be held accountable for their behavior. A number of non-alcohol events, such as cookouts, movies, bowling and pizza gatherings, will be held across campus, as scheduled.

'We would describe what happened as a disturbance. It was quickly contained because of the response by University police and other jurisdictions," said Andy Booher, a lieutenant with the Dayton Police Department.'"