For Immediate Release
Date: April 18, 2022
Contact: Tom McGuire, Director of Communications/Media Relations
Bloomsburg University and the Town of Bloomsburg Announce “Block Party’ Mitigation Efforts
BLOOMSBURG--Bloomsburg University and the Town of Bloomsburg will implement the below initiatives to increase safety and security related to the annual spring event known as “Block Party.”
The Town of Bloomsburg and Bloomsburg University also ask all participants to keep in mind:
Bloomsburg University and the Town of Bloomsburg are continuing strong collaborative efforts in an attempt to reduce potential adverse impacts associated with excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking, which has historically occurred during the unsanctioned event known as “Spring Block Party.”
Students are also reminded a brief moment of indiscretion can have a significant and lasting impact on employment opportunities; and this is counterintuitive to the goals of the student population to prepare themselves for a brighter future.
Town of Bloomsburg Police, along with Bloomsburg University Police and law enforcement partners from both municipal and state law enforcement entities, code enforcement, and Bloomsburg Fire Department/EMS will collaborate to maximize visibility and omnipresence throughout the weekend of April 23; and ensure capability to maintain order and respond to calls for service.
Citations and arrests resulting from the annual celebration of the end of the school year peaked in 2016 at 375; and were trending downward through 2019. The event changed with the pandemic's emergence; and 2020 and 2021 were largely uneventful. Ideally, this respite provided an opportunity for students to consider the negative impact of potential harms associated with the excesses of past events on their well-being and future career aspirations. In deterring harmful conduct seen in the past, the Town of Bloomsburg and the University hope to provide a catalyst for and conduit to less harmful ways to celebrate the successful completion of the spring semester.
Contact was initiated with local beer distributors and tavern owners to ask for their cooperation in assisting to mitigate the harmful excesses of years past. This included a request to limit sales of glass containers which can become hazardous if broken or dangerous projectiles if thrown.
The Town of Bloomsburg and Bloomsburg University are committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for residents (both permanent and temporary); students and visitors to our Town alike. We are one community and call upon student leaders to assist in encouraging responsible behavior; avoiding the pitfalls of irresponsible exuberance, not only this weekend but at all times.
Bloomsburg University students charged with violations during the weekend, on or off-campus, will be referred to the Dean of Students for appropriate disciplinary action. Students are reminded, however, that Pennsylvania’s Medical Amnesty Law (Act 80 of 2018) provides for immunity from prosecution under Section 6308 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code (Underage Drinking) when an individual seeks medical attention for another under any circumstances. This law was enacted to ensure fear of prosecution for underage drinking does not overshadow the sanctity of life for individuals seeking help for themselves or another in medical distress.