Students React to Increased Security During State Patty’s Weekend

Story posted March 3, 2023 in CommRadio, News by Logan Bourandas

Penn State students will be celebrating State Patty’s weekend which will kick off on Saturday, February 25.

The post-THON event will run for its 16th consecutive year after starting during the spring of 2007.

That popular tradition has garnered concern from the State College Borough however, which announced this week that it will increase State College and University Police attendance in the area throughout the weekend.

In that release, Greek organizations across campus were asked to limit their social gatherings which involve alcohol.

This is the first time in over a decade these organizations are allowed to host registered socials during that weekend.

Also included in the letter were local bars and students living in dorms who are limited to one guest per room.

Security will also be enhanced at off-campus apartments.

This has led to several different reactions from Penn State students including senior Kyle Schmitt who is in favor of the enhanced security for the weekend.

“There's gonna be a lot of intoxicated people there and a lot of people doing irresponsible things,” Schmitt said. “So it makes sense that they want to try and knock it down and make people safer.”

While the added safety is seen as a positive, there are some nerves for what the additional security might bring according to freshman Ashley Mascaro.

“I also think it's a little bit nerve wracking because everyone will be out,” Mascaro said. “I'm sure there'll be some issues and trouble being distributed, but I think it's genuinely a good thing.”

The release mentioned that any Penn State student who is charged over the weekend should refer to the Office of Student Conduct for disciplinary action.

Logan Bourandas is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email lxb5412@psu.edu.