Since the 1970s, students at West Virginia University have had a reputation for lighting things on fire.
Burning couches to celebrate a football victory or to vent over a loss has become a famous tradition and, frankly, the norm at the university. However, this tradition has also contributed to WVU being known more for partying rather than for academic achievements.
Over the past several years the burning hasn’t been limited to couches. After the Mountaineers gained an upset victory over Baylor on Oct. 18, burning couches quickly turned into out of control riots and widespread vandalism.
Approximately 5,000 rioters, consisting mostly of students, proceeded to block streets, start fires, damage property and throw things at law enforcement and firefighters after the game, according to WV Metro News. It is repulsive to hear that rioters felt the need to throw softball-sized rocks and roll flaming dumpsters down hills at first responders.
Furthermore, there will be a hefty price to pay as a result of the riots. The city has estimated that it will cost $15,000 to repair damaged property. In addition, over $30,000 of riot control gear has been ordered to handle any future riots.
“I think the direction and leadership the University is taking by working with students, alumni and parents is needed,” Jeff Mikorski, Morgantown City Manager, said in a prepared statement.
“The police and fire departments need to be prepared and plan for any situation that may occur,” Mikorski later added.
There have been half a dozen riots that have taken place on the campus of West Virginia University over the past decade. To an outsider, it appears little is being done to actually prevent more from taking place. Sure, more riot shields and gas masks can be ordered, but I don’t think that this will really put an end to these traditions. Ordering more gear can be likened to putting a bandage on a wound, but it is not a permanent solution. Anyway, it is absurd to even think that a major university would have to dedicate so many resources on a continuous basis to riot control.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 14 students were charged with crimes by local law enforcement, while a grand total of three students involved in the riots have so far been expelled from the university. WVU President E. Gordon Gee, who has been working to clean up the university’s party image, has said he expects more expulsions to come.
It is unfortunate to see any student get kicked out of college. However, I would argue that more students known to have participated in rioting should be made an example by being suspended or expelled immediately. This is the only way to try to abolish these rioting traditions and to dissuade students from participating in such activities in the future.
“This is not how Mountaineers behave,” Gee said in an email to the campus. He also promised “swift and immediate disciplinary action.”
I am sure the majority of WVU students are law-abiding citizens, and they have a positive impact on their community. However, the students inciting riots are the people unfortunately receiving the attention. Their actions have a significant impact on the image of WVU and, as a result, the entire state of West Virginia. WVU is a leading symbol of the state, so what takes place there subsequently reflects back on all West Virginians.
Simply put, these couch burning and rioting traditions are outdated and immature. Unfortunately, they will most likely continue unless the majority of students at WVU collectively decide to take a stand and say “no more.” A prestigious university, such as WVU, should not be known for what it destroys but rather for what it creates.
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