Editorial: Stay safe on St. Patrick’s Day
Now that you have returned from Spring Break, there is probably one thing on your mind.
“Turn up for St. Patrick’s Day!”
If you’re a freshman reading this, know that things are about to get crazy on Thursday.
Central Michigan University students should have fun while celebrating the holiday.
We are not here to preach to you.
But we want to urge you to take care while partying. As we learned last year, bad things can happen when drinking goes too far.
The CMU Police Department was dispatched to 27 different incidents on St. Patrick’s Day last year.
By the end of the day, 10 students were removed from campus by ambulance because of alcohol poisoning.
Seven minor in possession citations were issued, three students were arrested for MIP violations and four were arrested for disorderly conduct.
We should learn from this and try to avoid behaving irresponsibly in 2016.
St. Patrick’s Day is consistently a favorite holiday of CMU students. Huge groups of Chippewas will fill the streets north of campus outside house parties. Local bars will be flooded with green-clad patrons.
Here are some safety tips to remember before you head out.
Before Thursday, solidify plans with your friends and make sure to check the weather forecast. Nobody wants to be stuck in the cold miles away from home.
When Thursday arrives, do not act in a destructive manner while partying north of campus or elsewhere.
Charge your cell phone. Stay with your friends and recognize when you or a friend have had too much to drink.
Make sure you have had enough to eat and are properly hydrated before consuming alcohol.
Last month we were reminded of how an innocent celebration can turn tragic when our classmate, Jon Justice, died in his Deerfield Village apartment. Police said alcohol was involved in his death.
If on Thursday you see anyone who clearly has had too much to drink, make sure they get help by calling police or medical professionals.
Don’t be afraid to call 911 if you find yourself in a dangerous situation. The state of Michigan has amnesty laws that come into play when underage students report a case of someone who is incapacitated.
However you decide to get around, leave one option out of the equation.
Don’t drink and drive.
We know you will likely start celebrating early on St. Patrick’s Day. If you decided to day drink, please, do not attend class.
Showing up to any classroom under the influence is disrespectful to your instructor and fellow students. It can also lead to consequences that can destroy your college career.
Police officers will be patrolling on and off campus.
Officers have been preparing for big groups of people and typical issues associated with large parties. They know this is coming.
If they tell you to move along or put your drink down, listen to them. If you refuse to cooperate, they have made themselves clear during recent mass partying situations. You will be arrested if you insist on breaking the law.
Recently, relations between city residents and CMU students have been tense.
Please keep your neighbors in mind during CMU’s favorite holiday. Try not to embarrass all of us with bad behavior.
Everyone wants to have a good time on St. Patrick’s Day.
Each of us has a responsibility to make sure this year’s celebration is a safe one.
