DAYTON — University of Dayton school officials continue to investigate after large crowds of students gathered in the student neighborhood over the weekend to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
On Saturday, hundreds of students in green filled Lowes Street in the student neighborhood despite a warning from the university, which included guidelines of gatherings up to 10 people and mask wearing at all times.
>> UD warns students against large gatherings ahead of St. Patrick’s Day
Some students were seen wearing masks, but most were not.
“Sometimes it’s really hard because everybody is having their drinks and everything, so having the mask on can be hard,” one freshman told News Center 7′s Ronnell Hunt.
>> PHOTOS: Despite warnings from administration, hundreds gather on UD campus
Students who violated the university’s COVID-19 agreement and/or the student code of conduct will be referred to the student disciplinary system as appropriate, according to school officials. Disciplinary action could include suspension, or in some situations, expulsion.
“The University will continue to explore ways to encourage students to gather safely and peacefully,” University officials said in a statement.
UD senior Matthew Seltzer said it was difficult to keep students off his property.
“People would come onto our yard and we would do our best to get them off, but there is only so much we can do,” he said. “The coronavirus is very dangerous. It’s here and we have to accept the fact that it is here”
UD officials said the school will be increasing mandatory COVID-19 testing in the next several weeks.
There are currently three active cases of COVID-19 on campus, according to UD.
On Monday, Gov. Mike DeWine called the large groups of students in the streets at Ohio University and at UD “not good.”
Cox Media Group
