Topics

More

Speakin’ Out Against State Patty’s

Those of you who read the Collegian on Tuesday probably read about Dennis Shea, head of the Department of Health Policy and Administration and staunch objector to State Patty’s Day. For you devout Onward Staters, you may know Dr. Shea better as the prolific commenter “GTWMA.”

To the average college student, GTWMA may seem like a stringent fun-sucker beamed to the future from the temperance days of yore. But when compared to the shamrock-covered sloppy messes drunk at 10 am, the enlightened Dr. Shea wins the allegiance of many.

Dr. Shea has gained a following; the End The “State Patty’s Day” Tradition Facebook group has amassed over 1,185 members (although the “official” State Patty’s Day group has 9,390 members, roughly a quarter of the student body).

In the words of Dr. Shea:

Students do need to realize that the amount of drinking that occurred on last State Patty’s Day created a real public safety situation last year.  There were periods of the day when there were no EMS available to respond.

He speaks the truth. Last State Patty’s Day produced 9 summary criminal arrests, 21 alcohol overdoses, 14 DUI arrests, 31 loud-noise citations, and several cases of vandalism. In addition, 311 calls to State College police occurred that weekend, surpassing the amount on any football weekend last year.

What can be done? Changing students’ values about alcohol is a lost cause; a structural change is needed. The recent CDT opinion column made some reasonable suggestions to meet this end:

• Bars should keep normal operating hours and refrain from featuring anything but their regular specials.

• Downtown stores should not offer State Patty’s Day clothing or otherwise promote the event in any way.

• Penn State should warn students and punish those who are arrested on this weekend to the maximum allowed.

Such steps would certainly reduce the potency of the “celebration,” if only State College and Penn State could collaborate to meet these goals.

Perhaps Dr. Dennis Shea will formulate a concrete plan of action to eliminate the holiday. If not, at least GTWMA will share his opinions with us here at Onward State.

One last thought. Looking through my calendar today, I realized that St. Patrick’s Day falls after spring break this year. In other words, there’s no need to designate an arbitrary Saturday as State Patty’s Day since the real St. Patrick’s Day is within reach.

[Pic]

Students do need to realize that the amount of
drinking that occurred on last State Patty's Day created a real public
safety situation last year.  There were periods of the day when there

were no EMS available to respond.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Staff Predictions: No. 4 Penn State vs. Purdue

Our staffers think this game will be a blowout in favor of the Nittany Lions, except for one for some reason.

Meterologist To Entrepreneur: How Todd Miner Brought ‘Transport-tainment’ To State College

Vamos! Lion Chariots was founded in 2012.

Five Penn State Wrestlers To Participate In NWCA All-Star Classic

The Classic will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, at Rec Hall.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
62.3kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by Andy

Fundraiser Benefits Indian Orphans

Interested in food, music, and a good cause? Come to the HOINA Spaghetti Dinner tomorrow evening to satisfy these three interests and more.


The price of $7 includes dinner, dessert, and live instrumental music, ranging from a viola quartet to traditional Indian kirtans.


Homes of the Indian Nation (HOINA) is a nonprofit organization which runs an orphanage and school in Andhra Pradesh, India. All proceeds from the fundraiser will directly benefit the orphans themselves.


Learn more about the event after the jump.

Fourth Annual Earth Hour

Chiddy Bang Performing Soon