(The following message was sent to the community on 9/28/20)
Dear Colleagues,
There were two events on Friday night that involved students that are important to share. The first is an unknown number of students attended an off-campus party at an apartment of an individual not related to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø State. The guests were violating public health guidelines regarding large gatherings and there was conduct involved that led to the arrest of a non-SSU student for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. City of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Police are investigating the party in coordination with the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Board of Health.
As we don’t know the name of every person that was at this party, we’re asking 51³Ô¹ÏÍø State students that may have attended any gathering that did not follow the recommended health guidelines to get tested for COVID-19 tomorrow at the O’Keefe testing center or at the free testing being provided by the city of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. Although Viking students have done a great job overall following our COVID-19 policies and procedures, the students were also reminded that we are taking these matters very seriously. If a student chooses not to follow these policies, they will be referred to community standards, and may risk suspension and dismissal from the university.
In the second incident, a 51³Ô¹ÏÍø State student was arrested and charged with burning personal property, vandalism and destruction of property for damage done to playground equipment. Fortunately, SSU Police received a tip about this incident and they informed the city of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Police department, which led to the identification and arrest.
The university and the city of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø released a joint statement on Saturday about these incidences to keep community members informed about these activities. We take these matters very seriously not only to help our campus remain safe but also as a public health partner. I have included the statement below.
Sincerely,
Carla Panzella, PhD
Associate Vice President for Student Life, Dean of Students
CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
Kimberley Driscoll
Mayor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2020
Joint Statement from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Mayor Kim Driscoll and 51³Ô¹ÏÍø President John Keenan Regarding Two Unrelated Off-Campus Incidents on September 25
51³Ô¹ÏÍø, Massachusetts – Joint Statement from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Mayor Kim Driscoll and 51³Ô¹ÏÍø President John Keenan regarding two unrelated off-campus incidents that occurred on September 25th:
It has come to our attention that last night, on Friday, September 25th, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Police responded to two unrelated incidents involving gatherings where some 51³Ô¹ÏÍø students were present in violation of current public health guidelines. In addition to violating rules regarding large gatherings, there was also conduct involved in both incidents that led to arrests. In each case, the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Police Department and City officials are working closely with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø State Police and university officials to identify as many responsible parties as possible and ensure they face the appropriate consequences, both on- and off-campus.
In the first incident, police broke up a gathering of over 50 people at an apartment on Becket Street. One individual, who is not a SSU student, was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. The property owner will be cited by the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Police Department for keeping a disorderly house. Additionally, as the gathering violated public health orders, those in attendance who can be identified will be issued citations from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø public health officials.
Any current 51³Ô¹ÏÍø State students who are identified as having attended the gathering will also face additional disciplinary consequences from the university. All individuals who attended this gathering, whether identified or not, are strongly encouraged to get a free COVID-19 test, either through SSU if they are a university student or through the City's free "Stop the Spread" testing at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø High School.
In the second incident, a SSU student was arrested and charged with burning personal property, vandalism, and destruction of property over $1200 in connection with damage done to the playground equipment at Pickman Park. Two other 51³Ô¹ÏÍø State students brought the incident to the attention of SSU Police who then informed the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Police Department, which led to the arrest. The investigation and identification of other people present, as well as their involvement, is ongoing.
We are issuing this joint statement to keep community members informed about these activities and to assure you that City and university leaders take seriously the public health concerns such incidents raise. Those responsible in both instances will be held accountable to the greatest extent possible under the law and under the university's disciplinary policies. We believe it is important that City and university officials work together to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in our community.