Listen Now: Morning News

WVU president writes open letter to Mountaineer community

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — It’s time to take back the university, said Gordon Gee in the wake of riots Saturday night after WVU beat No. 4-ranked Baylor.

On Tuesday’s edition of MetroNews “Talkline,” the president of West Virginia University said such behavior has no place at the school.

“I love our students and I greatly appreciate them. I think we have a great generation,” he said.

“But I also believe that we all need to understand that, if we treat students like adults, including having them be responsible for their behavior, they will act like adults and I think that this is one of those very important teaching, learning moments.”

As of Tuesday morning, Gee said investigators had identified “fewer than a dozen” WVU students who were directly involved in the street fires and vandalism in Downtown Morgantown and Sunnyside, but he admitted that number could climb as Morgantown police, West Virginia University police and other agencies continued their investigations.

“Those that were arrested, those that are identified through video and social media, those will be removed from the university,” Gee said. Expulsions, he noted, were expected to begin as soon as Tuesday afternoon.

Gee said it’s about accountability. “I want people to understand that we will not tolerate this and, if someone wants to sue me over this issue, then that’s fine,” he said.

It’s a response on two fronts: “One is you have to be unequivocal and move very quickly and, secondly of all, then you need to attack the long-term issues, the cultural issues and that was when I brought in the students,” said Gee.

According to information from Morgantown city officials, more than 30 street fires were set to dumpsters and furniture late Saturday night in parts of downtown Morgantown and Sunnyside. Fencing and lights posts were destroyed in some areas. Property damage was estimated in the thousands of dollars.

Tear gas was used to disperse the crowds, which included many people who police contend were not WVU students.

Here is Gee’s letter in full:

Dear Students, Colleagues, Alumni and Friends:

Today I met with the chiefs of police from Morgantown and the University, along with fire officials, the city manager, and West Virginia University and student leaders concerning the unacceptable and destructive behavior that occurred Saturday night following our football team’s outstanding win over a highly-ranked Baylor team.

We all are extremely disappointed, frustrated and angry that a minority of students, and others who joined in, diverted the attention from the team’s achievement to inexcusable and lawless actions.

This is not how Mountaineers behave. And we will not condone such behavior by allowing individuals to remain on our campus who demean the reputation and achievements of our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community.

Let me be clear: This is criminal behavior and individuals involved in setting fires, overturning trash bins or throwing objects at first responders WILL be held accountable. There is zero tolerance for this type of criminal and unruly behavior. Our Student Code of Conduct is clear on these matters and so is the law. We currently are reviewing the arrest records, as well as the videos and social media posts, to identify students involved. For those identified as participating in criminal activities, we will take swift and immediate disciplinary action – and for many, that will result in expulsion from this institution.

University and City Police are also encouraging anyone who can further identify any individual who was criminal or reckless to share that information with them, along with any social postings or photos by calling 304.293.COPS.

Let me state again that participation in criminal activities will result in immediate consequences. We will have zero tolerance for such behavior. But as we deal with the situation at hand, we also must look and move forward.

As Mountaineers, all of us MUST insist on a safe, healthy environment in and out of the classroom for our students. To do this, we must change the culture of West Virginia University.
We must collectively – students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans – reject the reputation of our past and instill and embrace the reputation that is our future. And to do that, we must do four things.

First, we must engage students as our partners. Most were equally outraged and concerned at the actions of Saturday night – actions that do not accurately represent the student body as a whole. We have bright, capable student leaders on our campus who can help inform University leadership how to implement effective change. Today I met with many of our student leaders and they have been charged with creating solutions that will positively affect the culture at West Virginia University. We need and value their leadership.

Second, we will expect everyone to take personal responsibility for their actions. From students to alumni to fans, those who celebrate irresponsibly affect not only their futures, but also the future of this University and its reputation on a national scale. Those students who act in criminal behavior will be removed from this institution. Others who act irresponsibly will face disciplinary measures. As a member of the West Virginia University family, each one of us represents this institution. I ask that you remember that your actions reflect upon this University and its reputation. Let us each always put our best foot forward – and help remind others to do the same.

Third, we will continue to examine the national crisis of alcohol abuse among our young people. The University has many programs and activities in place to support our students, and those must continue. We must also continue to work with our city leaders to make this a community-wide partnership in caring for the health and well-being of our students and community. The issue of underage drinking and abusive behavior is a broad and challenging one. But in a spirit of cooperation, we can begin to create the necessary conversations and partnerships that will have a positive impact on our students and our community as a whole.

And fourth, our Mountaineer family needs to envision our future as an institution. We need to support this institution in our words and in our actions. Your input as to strategies we can implement to take this institution to a level of eminence is critical. I am proud to report that on Sunday our students started a social media campaign centered around being a respectful Mountaineer (#Respectful Mountaineer). I have been impressed with the response, but we need to do more. I encourage you to send me your thoughts and ideas as to how we as a campus community can actively support the change needed to help West Virginia University rise.

And that is what we will do: we will rise above this. Just as our fine football players and coaches did on Saturday to accomplish a truly electric and spectacular moment in our team’s history, we will work together to raise this institution and our community to a new level.
It is time to take our University back.

E. Gordon Gee
President, West Virginia University





More News

News
MetroNews This Morning 3-19-24
Summary of West Virginia news, sports, weather for Tuesday, March 19, 2024
March 19, 2024 - 6:32 am
News
One injured in Wood County helicopter crash
The person was taken to the hospital by a medical helicopter.
March 18, 2024 - 8:30 pm
News
Man charged in woman's death in Pocahontas County
Police said suspect and victim were "covered in blood."
March 18, 2024 - 8:15 pm
News
WVU officials work to help students recover following The Lofts blaze
Blaze occurred Friday morning.
March 18, 2024 - 8:06 pm


Your Comments