Archived Edition: November 18, 2003 | Back to Current	Jul 31, 2010

Lewd behavior triggers changes in tailgate policy
Drew Thompson - FORMER EDITOR

The College is looking at new ways to regulate the Homecoming tailgate area in response to negative reaction from alumni, Trustees, faculty and the Williamstown Police Department (WPD) about student behavior and excessive drinking.

“We are reviewing the policy because the tailgate area is getting out of control,” said Jean Thorndike, director of Campus Safety. “Public intoxication, disorderly conduct and inappropriate behavior are prevalent.”

Dean Roseman agreed. “Too often, Amherst fans and players have the experience of Williams fans screaming wholly inappropriate things at them,” she said. “Any semblance of good sportsmanship is completely absent.”

But faculty were not the only ones who expressed disappointment concerning crowd behavior – several trustees also voiced their disgust about the rowdy antics. At last Wednesday’s faculty meeting, President Schapiro said the trustees were displeased by the sight of the tailgate area, specifically the amount of drinking that was going on.

“The Trustees were absolutely horrified by some of the behavior at Homecoming,” Schapiro said.

In order to remedy the situation, the College and the WPD will enforce several major changes in tailgating at Homecoming next year. According to Arthur Parker, chief of the WPD, students and fans can expect to see an increased number of WPD officers and officers from other state departments. Also, RVs, buses and U-Hauls will be prohibited from entering the tailgate area because of safety concerns.

Parker characterized the Homecoming game as “a drinking event with a football game.” He said some students displayed inappropriate behavior to the point where many of them posed a public safety risk to themselves and fans.

Parker and a private detail of six WPD officers paid by the College attended the game. Parker said fans verbally and physically assaulted some of these officers.

Except for banning U-Hauls, RVs and buses from the tailgating area, no other definitive changes have been made.

According to Dave Boyer, associate director of Security, College administrators have formed a preliminary oversight committee in conjunction with the WPD in this matter.

This committee, which consists of members of the Dean’s Office, Security and the WPD, is looking into ways to modify the tailgate by listening to other campus offices, specifically the Alumni Office, the Athletics Department and Dining Services. Boyer suggested prohibiting glass and cans from the premises and shortening the tailgating time by moving the game time to earlier in the day.

However, some have even called for a no-alcohol policy at the game.

“It is too early to say what we’re going to do,” Roseman said. “We are going to be in discussion with our Little Three partners in all of this.”

Thorndike is currently spearheading an initiative, that will look into methods other NESCAC colleges use to oversee Homecoming tailgates. But Thorndike said she has nothing to report at this point.

When asked why she thinks drinking has become an increasing problem at Homecoming, Thorndike said, “I’m not really sure. There seems to be more interest in drinking and partying than enjoying the football game.”

“[Homecoming should be an] event where everyone can enjoy themselves,” Parker said. He said he may even look into government legislation to ensure public safety at such events.