A pair of Bates College students were among several arrested on campus near the football field early Wednesday morning.
Several Bates College students were arrested after a fracas on campus early Wednesday morning.
Lewiston police officer Robert Ullrich is loaded onto a stretcher with a possible broken leg suffered during an altercation with Bates College students early Wednesday morning following a fracas on the Lewiston campus.
LEWISTON — A police officer and an unknown number of Bates College students were injured early Wednesday morning after a party at a freshman dorm on North Bardwell Street got out of hand, according to officials and witnesses at the scene.
Several Bates College students were arrested after a fracas on campus early Wednesday morning.
A Bates College student receives medical attention prior to being taken to jail following a fracas at the campus early Wednesday morning.
Several Bates College students were arrested after a fracas on the campus early Wednesday morning.
Several Bates College students were arrested after a fracas on campus early Wednesday morning.
Students — both men and women — were arrested after police were called to break up a crowd of 200 unruly students gathered outside Smith Hall dormitory after midnight.
Police officers from Lewiston, Auburn, Lisbon and Sabattus, and the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Department and Maine State Police were called to help disperse the crowd.
Lewiston police Sgt. Rob Ullrich suffered a leg injury and was taken by ambulance to a hospital. According to WMTW, his leg was broken in two places.
A number of students, bruised and bloodied, were also being loaded into ambulances. Others roaming the street were shirtless and barefoot.
At 12:15 a.m., police walked about 50 students away from Smith Hall toward the quad, where they stood in front of Parker Hall shouting insults at police.
Meanwhile, police cruisers and vans were taking an unknown number of students to the Androscoggin County Jail in Auburn.
Students said the gathering began as seniors celebrating the end of the year moved to Smith Hall, the freshman dorm that is home to about 180 students.
Lewiston Police told WMTW that an ambulance was called for a girl who needed assistance. They reported that police said students blocked the ambulance from assisting the girl, and that once college security broke through the crowd, the partiers became unruly.
According to sophomore Romina Istratii, ambulances came before the police and took several students away. Istratii said once police arrived, they were abusive to students, pulling hair and pepper spraying even nonviolent bystanders.
"It was barbaric," she said. Istratii said police yelled at her and threatened to arrest her when she asked what was happening, and said they arrested a female student while refusing to read her her rights.
WMTW reports that nine were arrested on charges of failure to disperse and disorderly conduct.
North Bardwell Street runs between the college football field and Lake Andrews on the campus.
Bates College commencement is set to take place Sunday.
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haha, lewiston cops are more
haha, lewiston cops are more than willing to do that, don't you worry.
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Do you think once the dust has settled the errant students and the mean ol' Po-lice can have a sit down sit down with Bates President Hansen and knock back a keg or two?
You know, just like President Obama did with Professor Gates and Sgt. Crowley???
Everybody can check their pepper-spray, night-sticks, and reefer with a disinterested third party.....
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Great dialogue!
1) The blame falls directly on Bates College administration. The college executives are very aware of underage drinking. By allowing this illegal activity, the college opens itself up to civil liability issues and legal intervention by police. The college and to a lesser extent, the students, should be held accountable, period.
2) Alcohol and children, children and alcohol. Bates students, regardless of age, are generally still children emotionally and they do live in a fantasy world, while at college. If you allow children to dull their already weak judgement skills with alcohol...what does anybody expect? "Go to bed Johnny, it's late!" "Sure Dad, right away." Undoubtedly, as the profanity and tensions grew, tempers and judgement waned. Police doing their jobs under duress, drunk kids being drunk kids.
3) Bates is an elitist school. It may not be Harvard, but the majority of admitted and enrolled students excel at either: academics, athletics, or wealth. That makes it different from many colleges and thus elite. Yes, unqualified kids are admitted and enroll to Harvard and Bates because Mom and Dad have a lot of money and they might send a gift to the college after Johnny or Suzie graduate. It's a fact.
4) Lewiston will never be as good as it is in their town.
5) Townies rarely party with the elitist liberals.
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why doesn't cambridge have this same problem???
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Because the Cambridsge Cops won't take any shidt and will fugg you up.... :0
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It is that time of year where friends and family come to visit during graduation week? How many of the arrested individuals are actually students? Could there be a number of friends/family who came for graduation on vacation and wanted a quick thrill by engaging the Police? Just a thought...
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It is always blame the cops and never take responsibility for your action! This end of the year party always seems to get out of hand. Look back when they were drinking and decided to pick a fight with some of the locals and McDuffy got killed. The actions of these Bates students are never respoonsible, according to them, for what events take place during these parties.
If they were responsible caring individuals they would of held a rally today to show how sorry they were for injuring that officer and causing the mele they did. That officer has a wife and children that have been hurt as well due to the actions of those unruly students who chose to drink and cause the events that happened!!
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Thank You Woose. I too went to Leavitt and than spent 4 very valuable years at Bates in the mid-2000's. Bates isnt just full of "Massholes", but also some very smart and talented locals who can honestly say they are not trust fund babies and have had to work for everything they have ever received.
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What we have here is the classic class conflict between bates and the townies. Its as simple as a bunch of spoiled brats that have never had to pay for anything or face real consequences in their life who figuratively and possibly literally spit in the face of some cops who never had half the opportunities of these brats and can barely put food on the table in this economy. Yeah their may have been disrespect on both sides which aggravated the situation, but it seems to me there are roots to this problem.
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haha the voice of reason. I hope this was sarcastic...
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I left Lewiston many, many years ago. It's a black hole of negative energy fueled by drugs, alcohol, and poverty. A town of double-digit IQ's and four digit yearly incomes. Fighting is a daily occurrence and police brutality is the norm. Bates, sell your campus, (we all know Lewiston needs more low-income public housing) and move to a city where Homo sapiens outnumber Neanderthals.
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I take offense to your comment that we are a "town of double-digit IQs and four digit yearly incomes." Kindly refrain from painting me with that ill-informed brush.
Did you magically increase your IQ and income when you crossed the City lines? Tell me, was it as glorious as you make it sound...to be greeted by angles of positive energy when you finally broke free from the horrible black hole that is Lewiston?
Great trick you have, there....you "reformed" townie, you. :-/
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Actually, yes, it was. Maine in general is populated with hickoid inbreeders (read it and weep, 2nd highest number of reported incest cases per capita in the United States) and has an exceptionally high rate of alcoholism. It was glorious to break free of the black hole that is Lewiston. The back-biting, the bickering, and drunken screaming matches of L/A are long ago and far away now. I grew up in Lewiston, attended Holy Family and St. Dominic's schools, and worked in shoe shops and textile factories. I know what I'm talking about. As far as my IQ is concerned, I had the intelligence to leave, as did many of my friends. My income did increase from $12,000 per year to $90,000 per year. I'd rather be shot in the head today where I live now than move back to Lewiston and live another 50 years.
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Rent Boys, Hookers, etc always were cheap in Lois'ton. Where ya' knockin those expensive tricks down now???
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Is this the moment where I am expected to clap, or do I just hit my knees for the full-on genuflect?
I get confused when facing royalty, what with the brain damage from the inbreeding and all...
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Back to my original post...which was to Bates College. Putting an institution of higher learning in Lewiston, Maine is like putting a chandelier in an outhouse. Actually, EVERYONE should leave Lewiston. No matter where you wind up, you'll be better off.
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but I have to agree with your last comment. This isn't exactly the land of opportunity. However, I enjoy a wonderful life here. I could do without the bloodletting that is my tax rate, but that's the price I pay to enjoy the beauty of this State.
With regard to the chandelier in an outhouse - did you happen to see how shitty that chandelier looked with truckloads of garbage and human waste all over the place? I did, and I've seen it countless times. It won't be a chandelier for long if left to the stupid whims of drunken, defensive, spoiled rotten children.
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The Lewiston I live in is vibrant and thriving in the face of tough economic times. There are bad elements in every community ... EVERY community - Lewiston is no different.
Police brutality is NOT the norm. My interactions with law enforcement from all the surrounding areas have been positive. Of course, that is probably because my interactions were based on mutual respect and lawful activities - not underage drunken melees.
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if the law wasn't being broken in the first place the PD would not have been called.I would have greater respect for Bates students if this were a peaceful protest regarding an important issue rather than a party.
There are kids the age of these students who really ARE in situations where there is real danger,and they are the ones defending our freedoms.I suggest these Bates students who think that life just isn't fair spend some time in the military.
I also think that the medical bills and other expenses incurred should be compensated by the students,not the Lewiston taxpayers who can ill afford it.
Yes,I was young and stupid once too,but I faced the consequences of my actions.I suggest the Bates students involved learn to do the same.
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Dear Bates Alumni,
I write to update you on an incident that occurred on campus last evening, which some of you may have already heard about in some regional and national press coverage. Please be assured that the entire Bates College community is deeply concerned about this incident, especially given that it involved injury.
Based on preliminary investigation and interviews with those directly involved, we can share the following facts:
• Bates Security was called to Smith Hall around 11:38 p.m. in response to a medical call. At that time a crowd of approximately 250 - 300 students was observed by Bates Security Officers in front of Smith Hall.
• Our Security Officers attempted to disperse the crowd. The ambulance arriving for the medical call had difficulty getting to its destination as the crowd would not move out of the way. When leaving the scene, the ambulance needed to turn on its lights and siren to get the crowd to move out of the way so that the student could be transported to the hospital. That student was treated and released from the hospital.
• Because Security Officers were still unable to disperse the crowd, they called the Lewiston Police Department for assistance.
• Upon arrival, LPD utilized a public address system from their car telling the crowd to disperse. It is estimated that all but approximately 150 students complied and left the scene.
• A Lewiston Police Officer was injured on the scene, soon after which officers from neighboring police departments arrived.
• A total of 11 students was arrested with varying charges of disorderly conduct, failure to disperse, and/or refusing to submit to arrest, with one of these students also being charged with aggravated assault. We are aware that a small number of Bates students were also treated for injuries.
• The incident lasted less than one hour.
As a college community, Bates has enjoyed a long history of respect between our campus and local law enforcement. This incident is highly unusual for Bates, where the College's values are clearly grounded in personal responsibility and respect for others. The Bates Student Handbook makes clear that membership in the Bates community requires individuals to uphold the highest standards of integrity in all academic and social undertakings, and states the following:
"Bates students are held responsible for their conduct at all times. Any student who becomes disorderly, is involved in a disturbance, interferes with the rights of others, damages property, brings the name of the college into disrepute, or is individually or as a member of a group involved in unacceptable social behavior on or off campus shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Student Conduct Committee."
In keeping with our stated policies and procedures, the College has initiated an immediate internal investigation of the specific facts of this incident. We will also act upon the facts as they are revealed to mitigate against future incidents of this nature on the Bates campus. We have great concern for our students' safety at all times.
As the College's investigation unfolds, we hope you will refrain from making assumptions until all the facts become available.
Elaine Tuttle Hansen
President
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Would you say?
Yes sir, I'll walk away while you molest my girlfriend in the back of your police vehicle.
Would you say?
Yes sir, I'll walk away and let you drag my girlfriend across the pavement.
Would you say?
Yes sir, I'll walk away while you and your fellow officers beat my unarmed, non-threatening friends with your night sticks.
I'm glad I don't need to count on you for protection in a dangerous situation.
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Bates does all of these same things that Bowdoin does. The communities (around the colleges) are very different. Also, the proximity of town residents to Bowdoin resident halls is much different than it is at Bates.
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Bates Sucks... always will
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Newt...I'm gonna put you down as undecided on that issue.
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Sure sounds like a lot of anger and resentment here. How sad. From what I've seen student of Bates College are a fantastic group of young adults who are going to leave Bates and make a positive impact on this world. These students give much of their time and energy volunteering in the L/A community as described in previous post. How quickly the good that is done is forgotten.
I want to comment on something just posted. I am referring to the issue with the police.
Simply saying 'yes sir' is not always the answer. Heeding instructions is very important I agree, however there are times one must take the situation at hand into consideration.
If a fellow student sees another student being beaten or molested by police officers and is told to leave...I find it hard to believe a 'yes sir' is in order or going to happen.
I personally experienced such a situation in college. The police came to break up a championship celebration. While many of the police officers were there to help disperse the crowd properly, a number of police officers had other ideas and saw opportunities – opportunities for some activity in the back of the squad car with unsuspecting college girls under the influence, other officers took the opportunity to let their pent up aggressions towards 'college kids' come out in the form of violence. It was a frightening night - one that will never be forgotten by the female students who were molested, the students who were beaten or the rest of us who were there and were unharmed physically.
We'll see how this turns out.
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Yeah, but "yes, sir" is a lot less likely to get you maced than ****you will.
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That sounds awful. It would be useful to find out a timeline of events here, what started it all, and how it ended.
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I wasn't there, didn't see anything and can only speak to the little information I've read. But as a proud graduate of Bates from years ago, I am embarrassed for the students involved. To the students involved: please do Bates and it alumni a big favor and take responsibility for your actions. Don't embarrass yourselves or your school any further. Maybe the police were a little too rough for your liking, but I have a high degree of confidence they weren't there for kicks. And assaulting a cop? Come on! You guys are supposed to be smart. Act that way.
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finally a bates grad who get it. blaming the cops for having the audacity to show up when called doesn't help. nor does marching out how fortunate we should all feel for your presence doesn't either. those students involved were in the wrong. just admit it so we all can move on.
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I think a lot of Bates grads "get it." The fact is that 22-year-old kids -- regardless of what school they attend (or don't attend) -- are prone to acting stupidly. A lot of smart kids do really stupid things. These kids were just being idiots. Were the cops a little too rough? Possible. It surprises me there's no video of this on the internet yet.
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The only difference between 16 and 20 is four empty years; they still don't know anything. Hormones and emotions; that's all they've got.
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Most posters here seem to be missing on key element of the situation. The Bates community has not had a good year with LAPD, such as one party earlier in the year which was infiltrated by a number of PLAINCLOTHES officers. Since when have parties (unlike this one, where many people were outside) required undercover cops? It's not exactly a drug bust. But therein lies the catch, it IS a sort of drug bust. Hear me out.
Lewiston-Auburn is not a wealthy area. In fact, it is the least wealthy (at least by census standards) in all of Maine. Every one of these arrests, and many others for offenses much more minor, make the police department and the city money. I promise you there are far more dangerous and socially detrimental crimes going on in Lewiston-Auburn than a party with drunken college students. But none of those crimes are very profitable. Instead it's much more profitable to arrest the on average richer Bates students than other criminals who won't pay as much. Think about that before you assume each of these kids deserved to get arrested and the crowd get pepper sprayed.
Bates has its own security to deal with problems on its own campus. Yes some of the students were a little too drunk, but does that warrant multiple different police departments' presence (on private property no less)? I think not.
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Here's a tip - Want to have a good year with the LPD?
DON'T BREAK THE LAW
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you seem to operate on the assumption that the police are out to get you. if there wasn't a reasonable assumption that there were unlawful activities going on, plaincloths cops would not have been called in to investigate. yes called in. also, a fine is a fine. you can't fine someone more if they are rich as opposed to someone poorer for the same crime. if you are breaking the law then you will, regardless of who you, are be punished. and no, people will not turn their heads just because bates is a large employer and the students do some work. thats hypocracy and an elitist attitude.
i have never had a problem with the police because i don't put myself into those kinds of situations.
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Police Rule #1
You can't reason with Drunks and Crazy People
Nor Batesies who don't have a clue - but think they have!
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Having witnessed the scene and reading the article, there is much that has not been clarified.
First and foremost, this was not a rally or a riot by any means. This is Bates College's "throwback night," which would have looked like a library session compared to a state school frat party.
Second of all, the policeman who broke his leg in an "altercation," broke it because he was chasing someone and he tripped. There was no altercation, he slipped and broke his leg. No one, but the officer himself is to be blamed.
Thirdly, this article does not put into context the Police brutality. Unarmed kids should not be held by three policemen as another hits him in the mouth with a nightstick. Moreover, there are witnesses and accounts of policemen dragging girls on the ground.
On top of that, the community needs to understand how much Bates College brings to the table. i.e. volunteers in the hospital, after school programs, english as a second language programs. letting them use the athletic fields. But more importantly, Bates College creates hundreds of jobs for the locals.
To view Bates College solely through the perspective of this incident is to overlook the reality of this school.
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1. state school frat night parties don't usually involve police because students don't fight security.
2. wouldn't it be the fault of the student the officer was chasing? all he/she had to do was answer questions or follow directions. instead, he/she fled. also the his leg wouldn't have gotten broken if you had all been respectful and the cops hadn't been called in.
3. if a person isn't kicking and fighting the cops, they have no need to restrain or subdue him.
EVERYONE including bates college students have to follow the laws and respect the police. just remember kids, the next time someone steals your car or breaks into your apartment or beats you up, you will call the police and you will expect their full attention.
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i agree. No state school frat party has ever had police come. Are you serious with this?
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Hey Beantown861...you are absolutely right about Bates contributing to Lewiston in a number of positive ways. But the attitude that Lewiston would be nothing with out Bates is some of the reason the "locals" really have no sympathy for behavior like this. My son graduated from Bates in '08....and he probably contributed to both Bates and the community more than most students. His father and I worked 2 jobs so that he could attend....cause we are from a town "like Lisbon" and we all know what that means...good grief!! Underage drinking, drinking in public and disorderly conduct are against Maine law even though Bates is much more tolerant of these offenses
This has NOTHING to do with Bates good deeds....this has to do with bad choices and bad behaiors that now have consequences!! In a situation like this it really is NOT the time to be wanting to know "what's going on here" and then be offended when the officer tells you to back off. This does not take away from all Bates does BUT it also does NOT make this situation acceptable!! The idea that nobody was getting hurt...but several people had been taken to the hospital doesn't sound healthy to me!! I'm an ER nurse...and I have watched teenagers die of alcohol poisoning....not pretty...so you don't have to be physically fighting to be out of control
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I know this won't be popular with Batesies ...
1) You have undoubtedly come across mobs in your studies and the destruction they do. (No, this was not a mob - it was a crowd that your security force could not disperse). Ask, what is the lifecycle of a mob? Where does it begin?
2) Can you understand the fear and adrenaline police deal with when they face an unruly crowd? They know what mobs are capable of and want to stop that from happening.
3) You know your friends and think them harmless. The police do not know them at all. When they say leave ... they are trying to do their jobs and stop it from becoming a mob. When you do not leave and argue with them you raise it to the next level. They notch it up too and more adrenaline rushes.
4) They then use tools that many of you chemist types designed to subdue crowd without causing lasting harm. If that does not work, they next try tasers. If that does not work, the batons come next and physical force.
Did the police act beyond what some of you think is reasonable? Yes. Did they react beyond what anyone in law enforcement sees as reasonable - having the experience and training of dealing with drunken crowds who will not disperse? No.
Instead of protesting police brutality you should be apologizing for ever having participated in an activity that caused your campus security to have to call in others. Had you listened to campus security and worked with them, none of this would have ever happened.
You've given your school a black eye in the same week when it should be rejoicing.
Take the high road and own your mistakes even if the police do not own theirs.
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How do you know it was a drunken crowd? My own boyfriend was threatened with arrest and he has never imbibed alcohol in his life. As unbelievable is it may sound, some people do not drink, or they drink responsibly.
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You are right ... I may have been wrong to call it a "drunken crowd." I was hoping that alcohol had limited inhibitions and resulted in the students failing to disperse or use poor judgement when refusing the requests of campus security.
If they were not drunk and conciously made the decision not to disperse and then to continue to gather even when local police told them to disperse that is even a bit more unsettling. They can't blame it on the alcohol.
I apologize for labeling.
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I would say most of the students outside were watching from what can easily be considered their front lawn. It was literally right in front of a dorm. I don't think it's unreasonable for most students to stay there, especially if people they knew were involved, since they are literally the only oversight the cops ever have. Do the squad cars pictured in the photographs have cameras? I'd like to see the footage. Sadly it'll probably never see the light of day.
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What you think is reasonable is not the issue. Bottom line is that campus security had to call in help.
I hope if I am ever in danger that the police do not stop to consider the onlookers before asking them to disperse. And, I hope that I, as a citizen would disperse if the police asked me to.
As I look at the photos I see male students, some of whom I recognize, smiling for the cameras and making jestures as they are being arrested. They don't look like they've been abused. On the contrary they look celebratory and proud of their achievement. I'm sure they are not so proud today.
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when the cops are involved, you don't go stand there and watch, especially after being told to leave. could they not get into their dorm? no friends on that side of the building? this was reality, not an entertainment venue. when the police are doing their job, you get out of the way unless you want to get involved. when your friends are making jerks of themselves, you disassociate yourself from the situation otherwise you get dragged down too.
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Many on this board seem over-eager to castigate the Bates students, yet the article that appeared in the Sun Journal is too vague and ambiguous for anyone to make truly sense of the situation without having been there. From what I heard, the "200 unruly students" were more like 200 spectators watching the police deal with a handful of drunken and belligerent students. I am a Bates student and I feel compelled to defend myself and others in association with this. There are many people here who are obnoxious drunks and have no respect for local residents and their property, but these people represent a small handful of the student body. This college is difficult to get into, it is not only for the rich (I know several students who don't pay any money to attend, as their parents are simply too poor to even pay a fraction of the tuition, and I myself only have to pay half the tuition price to be here), and there are many respectable students here who stay sober, work hard, and even volunteer extensively in the Lewiston community. Every college campus deals with students drinking, please just don't assume anything about the characters of the students here. We are not all entitled, lazy, obnoxious and disrespectful rich kids, even though there really are a few. There may be some substance to the students' comments when they say that some of the police were a bit out of hand.
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I'm just curious.... of those arrested, how many are actually enrolled at Bates?
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do people realize that all colleges are tax exempt? I mean if bates is such a drain on lewiston, why isnt bowdoin a drain on brunswick or harvard a drain on cambridge. I mean it is ridiculous to hear this stuff. Use your minds and think. Lewiston is the way it is because of the people that live there all year and run it. What would you do with the valuable 4 blocks of land that bates owns? Build some housings and take away almost 1,000 jobs? I'm sure that would do a lot for your economy.
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so because they are a large employer, students are exempt from the laws and don't have to be respectful of police officers? makes perfect sense. what you do affects not only you and your reputation, but those associated with you. thats the world kids. get used to it.
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I was saying that in response to people complaining about Bates and the fact that they don't pay taxes. Had nothing to do with what they are allowed to do. Fact is, Bates does help the economy. Please realize this...
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Ive read every story about this incident so far and yet NOONE has mentioned the obvious. Seems everyone batesie and other have been downing Lewiston Police Dept yet there were 6 POLICE DEPTS involved!!!!!!! Im sureeeeeeee Auburn,Lisbon,Sabattus,Androcoggin Sheriff and State Police were not just standing back watching all this go down. I would like to see which officers did the actual arresting and pepper spraying cuz im sure it was all 6 departments.
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Idiot, they don't have to read you your rights unless they are about to ask you some questions. And if you are standing around in the middle of a riot, refusing to move. You deserve to be maced. Go debauch your own town, you rotten brats.
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they were on their campus. The police in the area should be policing the cocaine trafficking going on in the area. Lewiston has one of the highest rates in the Northeast and that is not a result of the college... Not to say that these kids shouldn't be in trouble, but lets face it, they didnt need to call in 6 police units and the state cops.
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The cops were called in at the request of Bates Security.
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and if i am on my property being diruptive and dangerous my neighbors will call the police too. "campus" is not a no mans land where laws do not apply and the police can't go when called. the news is saying that the police were outmanned 10-1. in that kind of a mob situation, things can get worse quicker, especially when trying to sort drunks from bystanders from violent offenders, none of whom are cooperating with police. so they had no choice but to call for backup. if it broke up quitely, just like if the police broke up a party on my own property, there would have been no problem. these kids need to be taken down a notch.
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we get information on this from a television web site instead of the local paper? Way to let us all down, Sun Journal, perhaps you should hire reporters, instead of comedy writers.
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As the parent of a young adult who has come into contact with the police here in Lewiston, I lost respect for them. My son was in the wrong, and knew it, but the fact that an officer of the law approaches a car with a teen driver and starts using foul language before anyone can say anything was a complete turnoff. He had my son, he knew it, and to drop the f bomb every few words was a turn off. To call and point out the officer's misconduct was a complete waste of my time-I was asked, in a very surly tone if I was there, and was told that my son was lying, and the act of trying to point out any wrong doing on the officer's part was not allowed. I tried explaining that I was not trying to get my son off, but I considered it extremely unprofessional, again, waste of time. Since then, I have heard the same sorts of complaints from many young people. They are approached in a very disrespectable manner, some react in turn, some just can't believe the language from our fine officers. Not all, but some, and that's all you need to turn a situation bad--
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SiteWebYellow PagesHot Topics:Money Saving Web Sites|u local|Feeling Stressed? Try These Tips To RelaxAs Seen On WMTWHomepage > Portland News
Bates College Fracas Ends In 11 Arrests, Injured Officer
Lewiston Police Officer Breaks Leg Trying To Arrest Student
POSTED: 5:06 am EDT May 26, 2010
UPDATED: 11:17 am EDT May 26, 2010
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Comments (14)LEWISTON, Maine --
A party that got out of control ended with several arrests and an injured officer on the Bates College campus early Wednesday morning, according to police.
Investigators told News 8 that students were celebrating on campus Tuesday night when someone called 911 and requested an ambulance for a girl who needed help.
According to police, students would not let the ambulance through. Bates College security officers were finally able to get people to move for the ambulance, but police said that's when the crowd became unruly, yelling and taunting officers.
Security called in Lewiston police for help. When they responded, police said, the crowd turned on them. Lewiston Sgt. Rob Ullrich was attempting to arrest a student when he broke his leg in two places, according to police.
In all, 11 people were arrested on charges of failure to disperse and disorderly conduct. All have been released from jail on bail.
Arrested are the following:
•Samuel Guilford, 23, Surry
•Paul Chiampa, 21, Massachusetts
•Zachary Fenno, 21, Armonk, N.Y.
•Sarah Ewing, 22, Washington, Conn.
•Kelvin Gutierrez, 19, New York
•Charles Carey, 20, Lincoln, Mass.
•Andrew Livingston, 23, Waterville
•Francis Suozzo, 21, Golden Bridge, N.Y.
•Kevin Hanrahan, 21, Glen Mills, Pa.
•Kush Mahan, 22, Michigan
•Mark Stehlik, 22, Buffalo, N.Y.
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Take the N.Y. Mass, and Ct. kids out of there and the list is pared down to 4. GO FLYERS
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Interesting ages, only one should be a freshman. Most should be seniors. Smith , where the incident occurred, is all freshmen. Now that Rodger Bill and Hedge are no longer residences the only seniors living in that area would be social misfits in Adams.
So, why would a bunch of seniors on one of their last nights as undergraduates together be hanging out at a freshman dorm? I surely didn’t…
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Not that it matters, but four things Jack:
1) It was the annual "Throwback Night" where all the seniors go hang out in their freshman dorms.
2) The Village (on the short side of the football field) is a 30 second walk from Smith, houses 150-200 students and is populated by nearly all seniors.
3) The convenience store in the new Commons building is a baseball's throw away from Smith and is open late for students to get food.
4) Every floor in Smith has a Junior Adviser, who lives on the floor, usually sharing the room with another junior.
So even if it hadn't been Throwback Night, which it was, there's a decent chance that there would be a mix of students of all ages near Smith.
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OK, thanks for clearing that up. I predate “Throwback Night” (and also limits on keg parties…)
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throwback night is a Bates tradition. Seniors spend a night in their freshman rooms, reuniting with their old roommates and meeting the students that currently live there.
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Students would not let the ambulance through? That's just actually wrong...I was there. Just think about that (I know, think!) for one second. Your friend is hurt...so naturally, you refuse to let any sort of medical aid approach them. Makes perfect sense. The crowd did not become unruly before the police did anything. The police arrived, and per usual, demeaned and degraded students. We retaliated, so what? Are we supposed to drop our heads and accept their unnecessary verbal abuse? Believe me, you should listen to how they talk to students. Disgusting. The crowd also did not turn on the police...the police literally TACKLED a kid (three cops on one guy who was in fact not resisting arrest)...predictably that really angered students.
The police are so biased, so wrong...almost everything in the description of what happened, the police report, is false. Understandably they care more about their PR, so if you want a one-sided story, enjoy this one.
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Good Bye, we won't miss you.
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This story and the comments that go with it are very similar to an event that took place up at Colby College a couple of years ago. The guily parties were prosecuted and convictions were handed down. Let the system do its job. This is not a Law & Order or CSI episode - it takes longer than an hour to perform investigations and build strong cases.
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Slingopride you have your opinion. I have lived here all my life . You may think you know it all, must kids do. Believe what you want to believe buy there have been many incidents at that school that have been ignored.
And you for you to think it is ok for someone to be beaten because he made a comment that they didn't like this is why you are getting all these negative comments from the community. You have proven our point. Thanks! And in your words if students were attack by locals someone provoked them and they deserve it. Are you for real!!
Grow up admit your mistakes , pay the price and move on.
By the way calling me an idiot, very child like. Not once in my comment did I insult anyone. Go home we need our vacation !!
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Okay first of all, how many of you Lewiston citizens go to Bates, attended Bates, or have ever spent a legitimate amount of time within this community? I'm guessing none of you have. You feel comfortable diffusing your anger and resentment on kids half your age; congratulations. You simply reaffirmed what every Bates kid hopes isn't true; Lewiston residents (only those blind enough to post unfounded and slanderous remarks on this forum) resent our presence, discriminate heavily against us, and are overwhelmingly ignorant. Bates kids don't pay taxes? You don't think that's OUTWEIGHED by what this college provides? What about the hundreds of thousands of dollars we provide for Lewiston residents who work here? What about the numerous community service projects? What about tutoring children in YOUR community? The beautiful campus most everyone takes walks in? You guys don't even know what happened last night; were you there? Again, no. And once again, your ignorance is ever more evident and increasingly alarming. I was there, as were most students that posted on this. Do you know how the cop broke his leg? No. Do you know what, if anything, these students did to get arrested? No. C'mon, we're the stupid ones? Grow up, act your age, and find better things to do than bashing the acceptance rate of a college none of you could even dream of getting into. If only you guys (not all residents, just the infantile ones on this forum) spent this much energy helping out your community...just pathetic.
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I actually loved going to the lectures, concerts, and art exhibits when I lived nearby.
I hated the ritual bellowing, mating calls, disturbances, and drunken rantings emananting from the nearby Frey Street residences and unions during the wee hours that disturbed my slumber. Neighborhood meetings with Bates administration and security were an exercise in futility.
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you would get this at any any college near their "fraternity" type street. If you want a quiet neighborhood, dont rent near a college. It's simple semantics.
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bateskid182: FYI, there are a surprising number of Bates alumni in the Lewiston/Auburn and surrounding region - and also a good number of Bates students who come from Lewiston/Auburn.
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I don't know why so many Lewiston townies are complaining about Bates students being "rich," it's true, we're richer than you and better than you. There's a reason why you hicks are still living in Lewiston. Trust me, if we could magically lift up the Bates campus and teleport it to Greenwich, CT (which half of you have never heard of because you don't know any badass people working on wall Street) we'd do it in a heartbeat.
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Get back to your ghetto, punk. And the Pirate has heard of Greenwich, Ct. Nothing good, though.
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Reverend Jackson, you are way off base. It is because of trolls like you that the community hates Bates. I am ashamed you are a member of the Bates Community (that is, if you are not lying). I grew up 11 miles from Bates, went to Bates and got a double major and graduated with honors, and I am currently a third year medical student. Before my med school days I worked as an archaeologist in central america, and returned to the states and held down three jobs to earn enough in anticipation to supplement my living costs during med school.
Am I a hick? If I am one, I would hope you think I am a well accomplished hick. Hell, what is your definition of Hick? Are my parents hick because they are blue collar workers who sent all three of their kids to college? Iam I a backward hick if I come back to L/A to practice medicine? As for thinking you are entitled, "better", and wealthier than everyone else, you may need to seek treatment for your Narcissistic Personality Disorder (consult DSM-IV for further explanation of this psychiatric disorder)....Psychiatric meds (atypical antipsychotics and SSRIs are generally ineffective for this disorder, so I recomment behavioral therapy).....and that comes from a "hick"
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TROLL ALERT!! TROLL ALERT!! TROLL ALERT!! TROLL ALERT!!
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John, I think you are rational! I think that we are looking at a minority of residents of the Lewiston/Auburn area who are commenting online about their "beef" with Bates. I will reiterate that I do not condone such disgusting behavior as what happened last night, nor am I going to condemn Bates for this incident. I do recognize that a small fraction of students can be obnoxious and the the community should not tolerate this---but to make all these statements about bates being a bad school, statements about their admissions process that are ridiculous,l and not doing anything for the community, well, that is complete bunk.
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I find this article disturbing on so many different levels. First of all, the fact that the drinking culture is so dominant on campus is troublesome. I have witnessed firsthand (as have many other visitors) the vast numbers of students drinking to excess (and many underage) and the aftermath of the parties on campus. Bates administration has got to acknowledge that they have a problem and get it under control before someone gets hurt or worse, dies. Incoming freshmen take an alcohol ed class which is an almost comical attempt to 'educate' students. In my opinion, the local police have no choice but to use whatever means necessary to control drunken, unruly students. Bates College, wise up--events like this only further alienate the school from the community.
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"The fact that the drinking culture is so dominant on campus is troublesome"
Have you recently paid attention to MOST COLLEGES IN THE US? Because, hey, a lot of them drink pretty heavily. If that's your problem, it's much bigger than Bates. I would really be surprised if the problem continued to escalate til someone dies, as Bates has had a pretty big party culture for a very extended period of time. In terms of alienating people from the community, I agree with that, things seems very tense on this message board. All of the blatant Bates bashing is quite derogatory. I'm sure that doesn't help much.
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Uhhh, those non-profit churches and hospitals provide SERVICE to the community. And when was the last time you saw a church buy up one building right after another? Do you realize the impact that losing those property taxes has on the city?
WTH does Bates provide for service to this community? Spill it...
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That when I lived in Lewiston I attended many free lectures, concerts, and art openings at Bates that were a genuine breath of fresh air in an otherwise desert-like surrounding. But kudos to Lewiston for their recently remodeled Library!
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"deseert like surrounding...another racist comment by veritas perhaps?
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I left Lew-ees-ton pre-Somalian days.
The racist images are conjured only in your petit cerveau.........
And was not Algeria (French until 1962) also largely a desert, though not as figuratively as your digs.....
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Scroll down and read my comment...aside from the two local hospitals, Bates is the largest catalyst for this districts economy. Don't believe me? Look it up. Try and disprove me. Actually, don't bother, you won't be able to.
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Maybe Bates can hold a rally grill some hot dogs hand out balloons and the Batsies and Police can learn about each other and embrace their differences!!
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To say that these students deserved to be beaten is absurd the police HAVE NO RIGHT TO ABUSE the citizens EVER! If they did these things that these students are saying they are just as much at fault and should be held accountable for there actions just like the rest of us. You may want the police to brutalize the people that they are paid to protect but There are far more of us that will not tolerate it.
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Jim; I'm talking about real life situations. Most cops I know practice a great deal of self-restraint. And most assholes end up arresting themselves. There are exceptions to the rule of course. Mixing alcohol into the situation always makes it worse. Personally, I always saw folks a whole helluva lot mellower on weed - but I don't make the rules.
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I was waiting for the issue of how minorities are treated to come up. Find a new crutch cause that one is getting really old.
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such jealousy against those we think have money whether it be the students, their parents or the school...get over it folks...you too can be as wealthy or poor as YOU choose to be! As to not paying property taxes - the ssame could be said for every church and hospital in this community as wel as many other non-profits who choose to own their property and not lease or rent...
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Another fine example of Bates students thinking that they are not required to abide by the laws and rules. How many of these students were legally drinking at this party? How many will get citations? Zero!!!
For many years incidents have occured that were brushed under the carpet. Many years ago a friend of mine was beaten if front of one of the fraternity houses on College street for a comment that he made to someone in the fraternity house. He was beaten to the point were an ambulance and an overnight stay at the hospital was required. He was contacted by the dean of the school and asked to keep things quiet, because it was parents weekend and they didn't want any bad press. No one was held accountable for their actions that evening. It was almost like it had never happened. To tell me that this incident will be treated the same as any other disturbance in this town is a joke. I had to laugh when I saw that it was unclear as to what the charges would be. Are you kidding me!! I can think of a few. Disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, assault on a police officer,underage drinking, obstructing government administration, and I am sure that are more.
Why were the names of these student not published in the newspaper? If these kids had been Lewiston kids at a party, you can bet that their names would have been printed.
This is a good reason why some area residents have a problem with the school and the students. They believe that the rules do not pertain to them. They act and do whatever they want knowing that there will not be any consequences.
For area law enforcements agency to be called in shows that things were out of control. I would not want to be the one to have to break up an incident involving a group of intoxicated people. This is when injuries occur. They used the means that were required to bring the situation under control.
By the way your welcome, for the city providing you with a service that the citizens of Lewiston citizens pay for. Maybe your are smarter than we think.
I always look forward to this time of year when I can wave goodbye to the students for the summer.
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this comment lost all validity when it mentioned a "fraternity house." Bates College, in its 155 year history, has never had fraternities. Nice try.
Moreover, if he provoked someone to attack him, according to Lewiston Logic, that means its his fault. So tough shit. Don't be hypocrites. hold your "friend" to the same standard of the students. Finally, I can name no fewer than 3 incidents in the last 12 months where Lewiston townies beat Batesies to the point they were ALSO hospitalized, and those townies never faced justice. One student had his orbital (thats the bone near your eye) broken in.
You're also wrong on assaulting a police officer. No one did that. The reason the names aren't published has already been explained: the police department hasn't released the information yet. They initially detained around 30 people, but only ended up arresting 9. By the way, if you only arrest 9 people, could it really be construed as an epic melee like townies seem to think it is? Hardly. None of the charges that I'm aware of are of assaulting an officer, either.
Finally, as for the non-profit thing, yes, Bates IS a non-profit. Because they don't make a profit. Nor do they seek to make one. Name me ONE reputable private school in the country that is listed as a "for-profit" enterprise. The reason its not taxed is because US citizens, through the democratic process, have decided that having the concept of a "non-profit" tax status is valuable to society. If you don't like that firstly you're an idiot and secondly vote for someone who'll change it instead of complaining about law abiding citizens (the people who filed our tax status). FINALLY, even if we don't pay for the service (which is a lie, Bates does give money to Lewiston, but even if we didn't), and we were legally entitled to that service (which we irrefutably are), then that does NOT excuse police brutality. So try to think of some better argument please.
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Bates Security had to have called LPD. They needed help. Reading a few of these posts makes it sound as though LPD arbitrarily showed up. BS.
Lewiston has lost a tremendous amount of tax base income from Bate's suspicious non-profit status. And they eat up city services, such as this one. Why should a private college charging in excess of $50 grand a year, and ranks the 4th HIGHEST total cost be given non-profit status???? Ridiculous...what do you think this little "party" is going to cost the taxpayers, especially with an officer who has a broken leg?
http://www.campusgrotto.com/most-expensive-colleges-for-2009-2010.html
I'll never forget going to the development office at Bates requesting a tshirt, or something comparable for our local public school raffle. The woman there practically laughed me out of the office stating "we're a non-profit". Naturally, she had to do this in front of others in the office. I don't have to state what my opinion of her is...and ultimately my opinion of Bates public policy.
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Diversity celebration get out of hand?? Maybe Bates can hold a rally grill some hot dogs hand out balloons and the Batsies and Police can learn about each other and embrace their differences!!
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The issue with dorm students voting on our state/local issues is that they are sheltered in the dorm, are mostly from out-of-state, and go back home when school is out, leaving us to deal with the repercussions of their votes. They should absentee vote from their state/hometown as do the snowbirds/summer people. Dorms are targeted by special interest groups and vote in numbers that can/do have great influence on "our" issues.
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the issue of students voting has nothing to do with a wild party gone out of hand.
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No, but the fact remains...they do vote and influence the outcome of local elections even though the majority of them are here only temporarily.
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How this turns out.. Or better yet how they were treated once they got to ACJ when the witnesses were no longer there?
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I would have expected better behavior from both the Bates students and the police department. The students should have dispersed when ordered to. The police over-reacted, pure and simple. There should be intense psychological testing for police recruits before they are allowed to carry a badge. In particular, their ability to remain calm under pressure should be evaluated. Their angry response to a crowd of inebriated students was the height of unprofessionalism.
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You act like animal - you get treated like an animal.
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Ahem. We don't live by the Code of Hammurabi anymore. We sort of abandoned it a couple thousand years ago.
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The problem with dorm students voting in our state/local elections is that they only live here for certain months and return to their home states after influencing our local races. Why do you think the dorms are tagreted by folks campaigning for every special interest imaginable, then we are stuck with the consequences. If they wanna vote, do an absentee ballot from your home state like the snowbirds/summer visitors do.
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good ole tron, trying to put up a smokescreen and divulge attention from the issue at hand and creating one that for himself for attention sake! this has nothing to do with students voting rights.
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it was momof4 who wishes to deny these people thier Constitutional right to vote. IF you search all these posts you'll find her original post where she complained about people voting.
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Ahh, old t... is back from the witless protection program, I see.
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While everyone is quick to come down on the cops, especially if you are from Bates, the fact is that when you are gathered in mass and the police tell you to disperse, you do it. Looking at the two fine fellows in the picture, does anyone think they were actually following orders or did they decide to keep acting like a jackass?
Don't get me wrong i went to a party school and have seen this same thing plenty of times. The difference though was that when John Law came knocking we had the respect to listen, and not protest about how someone ate a little pepper spray for acting like a hoodlum.
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You weren't even there, so stop your ridiculous speculations. When you're at a party, and a cop literally throws you outside and stands inches from your face, screaming profanities at you and threatening a night in jail, would any sane person smile, put his hands up, and say, "I sure respect you, sir!" What...are you serious? What in the world gives the LAPD the right to talk down to us? A badge?...Oh, that's right, a badge that they actually don't show you when they assault you! They want respect? Show some first.
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Would turn around and remove himself from the situation.
An idiot will stick around, fugg with the bull, and get the horn. Even the Grade School drop-outs in the ghetto know that shit. And your folks are spending how much to make an over-educated dummy out of you.
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actually thats exactly what i would do because i respect authority. as for talk down to you, get over it your not the star of a movie. the badge they carry and the uniform they wear does require respect, which doesn't seem to have been taught to you. just like your rich daddy is given respect when he walks into a room, even he must cooperate with those in uniform when told.
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I attended Bates. I am not rich, and being rich does not come with certain behavior, or that one is irresponsible. This is all in your head.
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Wake up. I attended Bates, and I would walk back from a party to my dorm with a group of friends and the cops would swear at us all the time if one of us had just so much as a solo cup in our hands. I remember one cop coming into a party and telling me to put my "fucking beer out my hands" before shoving me against the wall. Necessary? Hardly. Plenty of cops have defied the law themselves. Does the badge merit respect or is it a license that makes a person completely blameless? Think about the accusations of police brutality and the many times a cop has sold drugs out of the evidence locker. All are cops like this? No. But if they are cops, they have a code by which they too must abide.
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When my wife was a sophomore in college, someone called in the National Guard. She says they were fine for a day or two, then when they popped the tear-gas, she had the sense to go toher dorm room, though only a mere spectator.
Thirteen students were shot, four of whom were killed (one an ROTC Student) - Yep, Kent State, May 4, 1970.
Now that would give these puzzy-azzed Batesies something to dwell on.
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veritas, were all 13 truly students? I've heard some stories that some were brought in almost like professional agitators?
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Not one to defend a bunch of little rich Batesies, but is that "broad's" comment that the police were out of hand REALLY that far fetched? Isn't it possible, maybe even likely, that these college kids got a little drunk and disorderly, but the "marines" came in (like they're trained to do these days) and started "busting heads"? No one really knows what happened. But - picture the situation. A bunch of disorderly punks, not really causing any trouble, but being loud and obnoxious. The marines go "HEP HEP, LET'S GO!!! FRACAS!!! TIME TO START BEATING ANYONE WHO DOESN'T SUBMIT!!!". The kids get angry and push back. THIS is what happens when the "law" arrives on a mission to pacify.
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MANY of the observers were not drunk. In fact, the initial reports that sent the campus into shock (had you been there, you would've seen clumps of people crying from all their friends who were manhandled, arrested, beaten, or peppersprayed) came from Bates Emergency Medical Services (EMS) who were on scene 30 minutes before the police arrived to attend to a medical issue (and yes, im sure it was someone who had too much to drink. im sure many of the posters on this site have thrown up from the sauce at least once). They were utterly disgusted by what they saw, as with the many other sober observers. I'd like to see the LPD weasel their way out of testimony from Bates Security (many of whom are retired police) and sober 20somethings with medical training.
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1. your friends were blocking the medical crew from helping the student. otherwise, i'm sure that BEMS would have arrived much sooner the 30 minutes later.
2. bates security were the ones who called LPD.
3. the police don't manhandle, beat, or pepperspray people who are not physically fighting the officers and are in fact peacefully dispersing. and those who do are usually arrested.
4. no one really cares how insulted you all are. go home and pout.
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Your comment is very rude. The police did an alright job in many ways. But the pepper spray in girl's eyes who is in cuffs and halfway in a police car is not acceptable. This girl was so small even I could have gotten her into that car. Two police officers could have done it with ease, but they went overboard and escalated the situation to what it was. You have to remember that cops usually become police officers as a way to "constructively" use their naturally aggressive behavior. I think these officers need additional work in conflict resolution and they will serve Lewiston better.
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quick rebuttals to the inanity of that post:
1. Actually they weren't. That's a lie being propogated by the AP right now. EMS was on the scene 30 minutes EARLIER not 30 minutes LATER than the police.
2. I'm aware of that. And just because I call the police to help me doesn't mean that I therefore condone everything they do. Bates Security was DISGUSTED with what they saw.
3. Wrong. They're not SUPPOSED to, but they do. We have hundreds of sober eyewitness accounts, and hundreds of drunk ones too although apparently any amount of alcohol in your system makes you incapable of bearing witness. No one physically fought officers until they were themselves engaged by being beaten with batons or peppersprayed. Also, the bystanders are not required to disperse if they are not interfering with the operation. Bystanders who were NOT in the road, and NOT in police way, were peppersprayed, without attacking officers. I'm sorry, but that's just wrong.
4. I'm glad you don't care. The United States system of Justice does. Because what they did fundamentally degraded our humanity. Look forward to your tax dollars being spent on resolving lawsuits!
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"Also, the bystanders are not required to disperse if they are not interfering with the operation."
I don't know where the hell you're from, but unless you're totally brain dead, if a cop tells you to move, in this town, you move.
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You have no credibility. You hide behind a nom de plume.
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1: you yourself wrote that the BEMS were on the scene within 30 minutes, which means that they had to get through your drunk butts to get to the fallen student otherwise they would have gotten there sooner. even united ambulance has a better call time. read what i wrote please since it mentioned nothing about the police.
2. the police have a duty to respond to every call weather you like it or not. are you sure they weren't DISGUSTED with the student behavior?
3. right about alcohol impeding judgement and therefore unreliable. wrong about the police procedure, but frivolity will do that to ya.
4. actually the us system of justice has better things to do the worry about a few drunken addlepated brats being insulted. you were treated like any other person in that situation, which is why you are insulted.
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Oh, the humanity!!!
Talk about weasels. Register here under your own name. Regular users do.
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LMAO...The parrot sez Veritas rules today.
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enough of us have been threatened with violence, or had violence carried out on us by members of the surrounding community, that we've realized we shouldn't do that. Sorry. Talk to your fellow citizens about fixing that, and I'll make sure Batesies come out into the open when you do.
Moreover, comparing it to Kent State is utterly innapropriate. You're basically implying that police brutality is only wrong if its REALLY bad like killing 4 people. This was a brutal action that I have never seen the likes of before. I lived in Los Angeles for some time, and incidents of brutality FAR less than this were statewide news that would often cause riots. The only reason the police haven't been regionally vilified yet is that the facts aren't out. When they are, we'll win the day.
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Comparing it to Kent State???
Try 'Contrast' there. You didn't learn that concept in middle school, and here you find yourself in college? And paranoid to boot. It's "Alleged" police brutality until proven in the proper jurisdiction.
Smart you aren't, a smart-ass you are.
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Thanks for your lecture. I'm glad that you're so incapable of refuting anything I've said that you had to resort to an ad hominem attack (which is also a logical fallacy, if you knew anything about classical rhetoric) and latch on to just one word of the many, many that I have posted. I apologize for the sloppiness. It's 7:50am on the west coast and I was on a redeye last night.
And no, its not "alleged" police brutality to normal citizens. It's only "alleged" in terms of the courts of law. For example, the score of the sox game tonight was 2-0, not "allegedly" 2-0 because it hasn't been "proven in the proper jurisdiction." Don't be ridiculous. Hundreds of eye witnesses saw it, and therefore we can conclusively determine that certain actions took place. Those actions constitute police brutality. That is true even if we haven't had the time to let it go through the justice system.
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don't act in the manner that the Bates Students did last night. So don't bring that ruse up. I used to have to listen to the crap on Frey street for years -
What is you expertise in determining 'Police Brutality?"
Hundreds of people can observe the same thing, and still describe it in hundreds of different ways; that's interpretation.
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actually it is 2-0 because it has been verified by the league at the time of the last game. not everything has to do with the justice system, only the governing body which that item falls under. you may wish to learn about what does and does not fall under the blanket of the us justice system before you utilize it.
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Dsigusting, distasteful, and really off the wall.
But then again, those are my positive qualities....
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Didn't they move him to Arizona, or was he brought back? Lost track of him.
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he's in arizona. i work with his mom. also, his dad is a current bates employee.
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also, he isn't some kind of monster to be let loose at our convienence, he is missed everyday, and would never have had anything to do with this now. this incident is just adding stress to his family.
i shouldn't have replied at 10:16, i can't figure out how to remove it, and i'm sorry i wrote it since it has nothing to do with what is going on.
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is the video that should be upload to youtube or the such. Everyone has a video camera phone, and they use it. It will be fascinating to see all sides of the picture, not just what the SJ wants to report.
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The Bates administration will no doubt behave like a pack of lap-dogs licking the boots of their wealthy benefactors (parents who pay tuition) and will refuse to take action against the students involved. What else did you expect from an idiotic institution that thinks Snoop Dogg is a great person to invite onto campus? As far as the comment about "barbaric" goes: well, Romina honey, it takes one to know one. The students did more damage on campus, not only in the freshman dorm. The cretins responsible for all the damage and aggressiveness against the police deserve harsh punishment. They knew exactly what they were doing. They chose to do it, and relish the notoriety they're now receiving. If Bates administration had any integrity whatsoever, they'd expel the major players and not allow any of the seniors involved to attend graduation.
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Those two morons in the picture are making their parents real proud of where their spending their tuition money.
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most of the bates people involve certainly dont want to be seen today hung over and all all thats left now is the head aches of the beer and what the parents will say the cop that was hurt should sue the college for allowing this monkey party to go on into the night Bates you dont own the city yet even thoe you are buying every house around
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This entire year the Lewiston police have been slowly pushing their way into our party scene. An absurd amount of people have been given summons for petty drinking related charges, which, are inevitably going to be taking place on a college campus. I have had a friend charged with a ridiculous accusation of "open container violation," when the beer was not even visible until police searched her pockets (she was also 21). Other friends have had violations from cops busting into our off campus parties and giving out summons for "possession through consumption," when there was no proof they had been drinking. I have no idea the motivation behind the increased police presence on and around our campus, but I can only imagine that they are after money to meet budgets. I'm sure they have made a killing from the amount of summons handed out. I was given one and it was a 250 dollar fine.
Last night everything reached a breaking point, on BOTH ends. As a witness, the Bates' behavior towards police was only a response to their abrasive actions (their treatment of innocent bystanders, and overall exaggeration of a relatively harmless college party). Most upsetting to read on these posts is the animosity towards Bates' kids based on the fact that we are all "smart and rich." True, we are all smart for the most part, and there is definitely some decent wealth on this campus (although it is a generalization). Why should that mean we can't party like normal college kids? Does that mean we don't make mistakes and that we think we are better than everyone? Don't act victorious because you've seen a bunch of so-called entitled affluent smart kids being "put in their place." This campus doesn't think we are above the law, but in this case, the law was abusing us. We are all enraged about this event and will not stay silent.
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Join the military, go off to war. Party when you get back
And at least learn how to register here under your own name if you wish to be taken seriously, coward.
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Although, having attended the school there are always some jerks that do bring it on themselves and I am distressed by the incident. They are STUDENTS!!! They are not above other schools and acting like obnoxious, drunken students. In fact, the parties at Bates and the conditions of them are less dramatic than most other institutions, at least from my perspective.
And you know what Veritas... many Batesies have served and currently do serve in the military. And you know what, some even go and work in the field, war devastated areas. There is plenty of reality in a majority of Bates students lives, they know the real world and that is why they within limits LET LOOSE! Party at Bates, then work, then party when your dead. Stop your blatant lame assumptions. It's offensive to you and the military.
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"Why should that mean we can't party like normal college kids?'....LMAO....If you did, you probably wouldn't the cops there to break it up.
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Brutally underinformed? Sure, maybe but those of us who have lived in Lewiston have dealth with enough BS from Bates kids to make it easy to paint them all with the same brush. That said, sure, I knew a couple local Lewiston girls who went there on financial aid. Overall, maybe if Bates kids treated locals with any respect or took responsibility for their actions in general, maybe the community would not have such a bad feeling toward them.
As for this story showing only one side, the side I see is the students side. Put yourself in a police officer's shoes, 200+ unruly, drunk college students who refuse to disperse (interestingly enough, I've been to college, I know how this works, cops show up at a party and tell you to leave, you leave, otherwise, you get arrested, with 200+ kids. Clearly the two in the picture think this is just a big joke and that will have an effect on public opinion. Some snotty college kid claiming that they were mishandled, roughed up, or abused is not going to get real far and it will not cast as bad a light on the LPD as you may think. To these college kids, anything that does not go their way, they will whine about, so every little perceived infraction against them will be blown out of proportion when in reality, that is how its done all over the country. Besides, a drunk kid's recollection of the truth is not going to get very far, drunk and disorderly means unreliable testimony.
As for the 'payment' that Bates makes to the city, show me where that shows up in the budget.
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Great post, runr
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I'm glad you concede that you're underinformed. The fact is, none of the posters thus far were there except myself. Therefore, I encourage you all to reserve judgement until you know the facts.
I would encourage everyone to wait until the dust settles, more videos come out, and the formal complaints are filed. Batesies feel extremely confident that our account of events will be the one that wins out, because they are the ones that are true. In fact, no one has yet contested any of the facts that we present. Brutality and injustice on such a large scale, INCLUDING what I mentioned before (a laundry list of allegations that were never formally complained about but will now come to light) will tarnish the reputation of the department and leave it open to civil action.
How much you hate bates is not the issue here, because even if a group of citizens is hated it does not entitle them to any lesser rights (I would encourage you to look at the example of African Americans or other minorities in America). However, I'll address it anyway: We understand you (personally) hate us. Believe me, the Lewiston residents who weekly ride through our campus and throw sodas, food, rocks, and other things at our students (often girls) when they're alone and it's dark out make sure we KNOW how much they hate us. The ones who pick fights with Batesies on Frye street, enter our dorms to steal personal belongings, or make hostile comments on newspaper article threads make sure of that too. Don't pretend like the disrespect is a one-way street. And it's idiotic to say you can paint any group of people with just one brush. You think all Batesies are rich and hate you. We don't. We know CERTAIN Lewiston residents hate us, but we also know lots of incredible people who live in the surrounding area that we do community service with, that we buy meals or items from, or that work at our school. So we don't paint you with one brush. Please extend us the same courtesy.
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"How much you hate Bates is not the issue here"...
I don't believe anyone in this forum "hates" Bates, but many of us who live in the community do consider them to be pretty arrogant and uppity at times. I have a hard time seeing that as hatred.
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Could you provide a website or a contact person where we can check when the "dust settles" and see what the "laundry list of allegations", and the facts supporting them, are? As for being hated, I suspect that anyone who hates Bates students is in a very small minority. I also suspect that their hatred of Bates is on a long list that their small minds collect as they try to find the reasons that they are frustrated failures.
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Yet he wishes us to take him/her seriously.
Of course you won't register here under your actual name writing the garbage you have, comparing the trials and tribulations of a 'Batsie" to those suffered by the African-Americans.
My God, have you no sense of history or social justice? Have you been taught nothing, nor comprehended nothing of our own History?
What in the hell are you doing with your education? Sir or Ma'am, you are a Nincompoop and a self-indulged fool!!
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"I would encourage you to look at the example of African Americans or other minorities in America".......???????????? How DARE you compare yourselves to American people of color? A group of Bates students is NOT the same as black Americans or other groups fighting for their rights in the face of unjust laws. Don't blow this into something like that, because it's not.
The Lewiston police do a good job and they treat everyone equally. If you were a bunch of Lewiston young adults of the same age, your party would be broken up and those who did not obey the police's request to be orderly would be under arrest. That is what would have happened downtown, or in the rest of Lewiston. You are guests in our city, and you must obey the law like everyone else.
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Great post, mohamed
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Sorry - I meant to say "not unfamiliar" . . . it'd be simpler to say that Sgt. Ullrich is familiar with these types of situations.
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http://www.ci.lewiston.me.us/news/2009/08-19-09c.htm
While this may not be a case of underage drinking (the students are college seniors), Sgt. Ullrich is no unfamiliar dealing with party situations.
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I think the reason no names were printed in the paper today was because the story broke so late at night. I'm sure that once the police have sorted everything out, the SJ will have more information on the students involved tomorrow.
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We will. Stay tuned.
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Its clear by reading the comments some of you don't remember being young. At 20-23 years old (when you should be graduating college) you are still pretty nieve in the world, even if your parents do have money. Not to mention it is normal to party. The only reason these kids are getting insulted is becuase they are assumed to have money. When in all actuality as you have said THERE WERE NO NAMES LISTED SO YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHO THE ARE LET ALONE THEIR FINICAL STATUS.
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If "townies" had been involved in something like this, their names would've been plastered all over the place.
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when i was 20-23 years old i had enough sense to listen to police, follow instructions, and not run into it for fun. i partied and played and trash talked just like everyone else. the majority of the people i knew had personal responsibility and didn't want do deal with the negative consequences. those that did we made fun of and disassociated with because they would have dragged us all down. it was behavior of teenagers, not adults and we undereducated working slobs knew better.
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The problem with this article is it almost entirely leaves out the other side of the story. There is already video of a student who voluntarily laid on the ground being told he was resisting, and when he demanded to know the arresting officer's badge number, they refused to supply it. A senior was BADLY beaten by police despite not attacking him, and many other students were injured unnecessarily by police. The officer who broke his leg was not attacked by a Batesie, that injury appears to be an accident. Students were pepper sprayed (as Ms. Istratii notes) who were not attacking police in any way.
The real issue here is that this is NOT the first time police abuses have occurred. The campus is organizing right now, and the last two years of incidents will all be reported en masse in the following weeks. This is going to make the department look EXTREMELY bad, because believe me, I've heard some of the stories, and they're utterly unprofessional.
If I were a Lewiston resident, I would be extremely nervous about the potential civil liability the department faces. Stop attacking the "rich kids" and "drunks" and bother to understand the reality and the magnitude of the situation.
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And, you know all this because....
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My 9:42 was intended for sligo...
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poor little rich kid has a dose of reality! guess what princess, in the real world when real people behave in this manner this is what happens. why don't you and your little elite friends take just take your toys and go home to pout. believe it or not, the world doesn't revolve around you and your egos.
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I'd like to think it's a sad reality when people get forcibly arrested for being drunk when they're over 21, and ON THEIR OWN PROPERTY (assuming Bates grants that assumption to their students, which they should). That's the problem with police officers, whatever they say is "the truth." Having grown up in a large metropolitan city, I've seen enough one sided stories from the police to question the absolute truth of this one. Sometimes the guys in blue aren't always the good guys, as much as we'd like them to be.
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If they hadn't been drunk and disorderly, the cops wouldn't have been called in the first place now, would they? Being drunk and disorderly is not a right no matter whose property you're on.
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Wow, as a Bates alumnus and Lewiston resident (I grew up here and live here now), I'm disgusted by the behavior but also by the acidic talk here. Trust me, Bates student are not all rich kids - I myself went to Bates because of the financial aid I received. True, Bates does not pay full property taxes (but, by the way, most colleges, universities, or private schools). But to say that Bates does nothing for the community is absurd - many students are out in the community working on community service projects as part of courses, or just of their own accord. This poor behavior represents a minority of Bates students.
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Dag, thank you for being a voice of reason. I am ashamed that these idiotic Bates student cast a black mark on the community. I think a rally is pretty dumb too. But as you said, these jerks represent a minority.
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they do represent the minority. however, if as a society, we allow a few people to get away with a few misdeeds, then it has a snowball effect. we all know that not every bates student was there, but the ones that were should be punished. but must of us doubt that they will because of their station in life and/or their parents station. we have all seen it before numerous times both locally and in the media.
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Centarie2000 - I agree that justice should be served . . . and I would argue that at this point, that is *exactly* what is happening. Bates students get rowdy --> Bates security responds and calls for backup --> students don't disperse and frakas occurs --> suspected wrongdoers arrested. So far, the legal system is working.
However, I don't think it's fair to assume automatically that because they may have rich parents (I hope we'd all agree that *not* all Bates College students are from wealthy families), the charges will automatically be dismissed. That will be for the arresting officers, their supervisors, and (if applicable) the district attorney's office to decide. I don't know the facts, but my *guess* is that many "failure to disperse" charges are dismissed or settled - and this is probably true whether dealing with college students or any unruly crowd.
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10% in fact...speaks volumes
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I just want to point out that it is not fair to assume that all 200 people at the party were belligerent or wrongdoing - 11 people were arrested. Ok, so let's bump that up to 20 belligerent people (assuming the police might not have arrested all the wrongdoers, but mostly to make my math easy). That's 1% of the Bates student population (assuming 2000 total students).
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Semantics, semantics, semantics...
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it may be a minority of students, but they caused huge problems. its not just the ignorance of their actions that are angering people. its the fact that they ARE supposed to be better then us: better educated, more caring, smarter, future leaders. what does it say to the people of a very poor community that these elite are fighting with police and ambulance paramedics? that they are having a protest event because the police didn't kiss their backsides when they were breaking laws and interfering with ambulance services? its their lack of respect, self control, and personal responsibilty that people are angry about. btw:i went to a technical college and we blue collar workers never had to have police called in. what does that tell you?
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No one is better than anyone else... that's clearly in your head and no doubt a few other ignorant people. Elite? The students are elite because they are getting a rigorous academic education? That does not make them elite, that makes them formally academic. I'm not defending student's behavior that appeared to have occurred... although I have witnessed occasions with excessive force by the police force, not just at Bates but at TECH SCHOOLS. That's right, many of my friends when to State and Tech Schools and you know what... their behavior is the same. Way to over generalize and make a fool of yourself.
"Better than us" that just disgusts me. I feel bad for you for having that belief system.
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. . .but couldn't it be said for society in general? Don't the vast minority of citizens cause the majority of problems for society. As faculty at a university (not Bates), I agree whole-heartedly that students should take personal responsibility for their actions!
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Why couldn't the students have waited until after Sunday's ceremony to celebrate? By being this stupid the week of graduation, they now risk losing the chance to march with their class. I hope it was worth throwing away the tens of thousands of dollars in tuition to get completely hammered, belligerent, and arrested.
And there might be more to come because I heard on WMTW CH 8 this morning that students are planning a rally today at Bates to protest how the police treated their classmates last night. Going to be another busy day for the LPD!
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a protest? thats sick!
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Morons....
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Bates college students are nothing but punks with money. They think they are better than everyone else and that the rules do not apply to them. The police were there to break up a party. That means that once they order you to disperse, anyone left is guilty of disorderly conduct, there were no innocent students at that point. I would hope that someday these students will grow up and become responsible adults who take responsibility for their actions, unfortunately, most of them are yuppie liberal trash who will blame everything on everyone else their entire lives. Sad really.
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Mainerunr, your comment is purely ignorant and is a gross generalization. I want to know exactly why you think this. Kudos to the Lewiston Police for doing their job, and I hope these deviants from the norm are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Don't base your opinion of the 1600 current Bates students and thousand of alumni on the actions of a handful of idiots. No, we are not all "yuppie" liberal trash. it makes me nauseated to know that people really believe this.
For all of you who dont think Bates makes a financial contribution to the community, consider this--
Look at the number of jobs Bates provides. Realize the amount of money spent by Bates students at WalMart for everyday essentials of life and LL Bean. Think about the spending that goes on during Parents weekend and Graduation. Moreover, think about the countless number of Batesies that spend numerous hours in Lewiston/Auburn classrooms, providing tutoring and other enrichment activities that will help younger students become productive members of the community. What about all the Bates Students that are mentor to younger children?
So, for example, if someone is a sex offender, you consider his/her entire family sex offenders? If someone is abusing food stamps, are their families and friends all "using" the system? If there is a fight in a high school, is that high school providing a poor education for all? If one member of the local town government is caught laundering money, are all the people in the office corrupt? If a police officer uses brutality, does that mean all police use excessive force and disregard the rights of others?
And for the record, I do not think all people in the Lewiston-Auburn community share your opinion. I do not generalize this way.
Educate yourself on what Bates has to offer and I think you may change your opinion.
Bates Grad '03, current med student.
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Purely ignorant and a gross generalization. No elitist attitude there, God forbid I disagree with a Bates alum. No, seriously, my opinions have been formed by years of seeing Bates students who look down on the local community. Does that mean that there are no good Bates students? Of course not. But my experience has formed my opinion. Events like this one and the resounding failure of the Bates community to admit any fault, instead placing blame entirely on the LPD reinforces that 'elitist' label. Do I know that not all Bates students are the same? Sure. But I also know that the actions of a few can and do affect entire communities of people.
As for your generalization queries, I offer this: Many refugee groups (including some in Maine) view the police as corrupt. This is because the police in their country are corrupt. Is it right? No, but people's opinions are based on their experiences.
The post that Bates is such an elite school that it is very difficult to get accepted and that a 'C' at Bates is an 'A' anywhere else does a great job illustrating the attitude that I have seen from Bates students.
As for the money spent by Bates students in the local community, it amounts to a drop in the bucket. Sure, it helps but the community would not be much worse off without that drop.
And finally, I do know what Bates has to offer and quite honestly, I am rather disappointed. Maybe it is simply that the 'good' that the students do is under the radar so to speak while the bad is right up front. I have seen many colleges where the students are far more visible in helping the community. If Bates truly wishes to be considered among the best, that community service is one place where they have the opportunity to step up in a big way. There is no better time to become a productive member of the community than the years spent in college (it certainly beats being labeled as a bunch of rich hoodlums anyway).
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Most Batesies are PROUD to be in Lewiston and love the opportunity to work in such a unique community. The history of the area is phenomenal and many of my friends worked on documenting the dwindling population of Franco-Americans.
If you think Bates students look down upon Lewiston, you should hear some of the comments from our peers at other schools. I was often teased about choosing Bates because you would have to live in "Lewiston," but I was always proud. I loved Lewiston, I loved long runs in the neighborhoods, I loved visiting local (non-Bates associated) bars and restaurants. I loved the town and I know that you will find most alum very appreciative of the opportunity to have gone to school in Lewiston.
I plan to make a donation to the LAPD (as we called them, Lewiston/Auburn) that equals my current annual gifts to Bates (which isn't much as I am not rich, but currently low-income after Grad school and working for non-profits). I am not going to assume the worst of this situation, I hope we can move forward from this and people start making something positive of this obviously disturbing occasion.
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Oh, yawn, I was simply commenting on the rigorous nature of the Bates curriculum and countering the notion that it is easy to gain admission there. I am not elite, I am simply regurgitating numbers. Go to the Bates website and you will see the admission stats. Since when is stating fact (fact that can be found at www.bates.edu) being elitist? Is Bates or any other college "elitist" for publishing these numbers? My comment about earning an A at Bates is just that----you have to work dang hard to get good grades. Bates holds its students to a higher expectation. This is how the school weeds out the lazy from the motivated. Read the Princeton Review guide to Colleges. You will find the statement that a "C" at Bates is an "A" anywhere else. Is the Princeton Review garbage for this statement? Is this being elitist, or is this a college that has high expectations? I think you may be confusing the two entities.
For the record, I dont agree with anything that went on at Bates last night. it was simply disgusting, and I hope their drunken butts are prosecuted. I will never condone that sort of behavior anywhere or from anyone.
I am sorry you are disappointed that you do not find Bates has much to offer. You are entitled to this opinion, and I am not going to attempt to change it. Mainerunr, I actually find you quite tiresome, as I do with the rest of the posters who make gross assumptions. What would you call me? Not only and I a Bates grad, I am a "townie". I have seen both ends of the spectrum. Should I assume all Lewiston residents are ignorant neanderthals? NO, I dont think this, but there will always be a small percentage of any population who are "amrchair experts" on such matters and confabulate their opinion as fact.
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For the Princeton Review to make that statement is ridiculous. I suspect there are many classes at many schools where an 'A' is worth an 'A' at Bates. So no, your statement is not 'fact', even if published by the Princeton Review, at best, it is opinion, at worst, propaganda (and as such, puts you squarely in the category you mention at the end of your post).
As someone who is obviously smart, you should easily be able to understand how one could possibly have a poor opinion of Bates students based on their (not your) personal experiences with them. I've conceded the fact that you and I have vastly different experiences in dealing with Bates students and our respective opinions are based on those experiences. It is also fact that a small part of a community (such as Bates students) can sour the general population's relationship with said community as a whole when events like this occur. I see a few alumni here condemning the actions of these few and that is a start.
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how much money do batses spend at wall mart or local stores is not comparable to the amounts spent by the rest of us year round. according to the batses all police are bad for stopping them from hurting themselves or those around them. i see more then just batses volunteering. educate yourself on what this community has to offer itself. you are all so wrapped up in yourselves and what you bring that you don't see what we have or can teach you. also, the majority of working people in this are do not work at bates college. lewiston, maine, and the world in general do not revolve around bates college.
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I went to Bates, and I do not come from money, and do not see the connection between having money and having behavioral issues anyway. Plenty of rich people abide by the rules and are benevolent. I do not think I am better than everyone else, and I am aware that the rules apply to me. What happened happens everywhere, be it an elite college, a state school, or a commuter school. The difference is that people like yourself have a fixed belief that yields to no counter-evidence, also known as a delusion, that all Bates students have a superiority complex and do not care about the consequences of their actions. Not true at all. I made life-long friends at Bates who are quite diverse in many ways. Finally, with this kind of thinking, you aren't making the town-gown relations anything except worse. If you want to see for yourself, talk to an administrator there about your concerns. It's a lot more constructive than calling the kids trash, which is extremely offensive to me. Ever heard of something called Bates Buddies or what about those who work in the soup kitchens, or those who work with the Somalis? Helping kids in the community with their schoolwork is not an example of the kind of behavior that comes from someone who is "trash."
--Bates Alum '08
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I am disturbed by your logic. Sure, everyone's different, but in general Lewiston residents see a bad attitude from Bates campus.
Because some Bates kids come into the community suddenly you are all excused from the law? And just to show you how we feel....my daughter hates when the Bates students come to her classroom because they ooh and ahh over her and want to take pictures with her to show that they help the black kids, and they assume that she can't speak English. They act like they are better than the kids and they help out only to make themselves feel better or to act like they know all about Lewiston. They act like they are saving Lewiston by showing up once a month to do some small service thing.
I've seen a few of you out in the community who are great, the ones who actually are consistent and like being off campus, and of course there are many wonderful Bates alumni in Lewiston. But that doesn't excuse this behavior.
I can't believe the Bates kids are calling this "police brutality" and holding a rally/protest. Go abroad or to any inner city in the U.S., and you shall see some true police brutality.
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No, I have no clue what you are reading. Ever heard of reverse profiling? You assume that people who have certain things display certain attitudes, which create a stereotype of its own. The reality is that this feeling is built up in your own head. You think that people who have certain things are supercilious and self-serving, and that since they have resources, the resources, physical or intangible, they must be spent on others---and when they are it isn't sincere because of their background.
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Sorry, that was a response to beantown.......good comment to JohnBerry.
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I had a radio program on WRBC in the mid '90's and I met many students who were intelligent, caring, and friendly. They did not show the air of superiority that is often portrayed in the typical anti-Bates straw-man argument. I met one or two clunkers but that is to be expected. Like any segment of society there will be the small part that will do stupid things. The people who broke laws last night will be dealt with, I hope, just like any other idiot who participates in that kind of activity.
Bates provides good jobs and contributes to the cultural life of the LA area. Bates students volunteer at numerous organizations. Overall Bates is a good neighbor and an asset to our community.
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I went to Bates, and I do not come from money, and do not see the connection between having money and having behavioral issues anyway. Plenty of rich people abide by the rules and are benevolent. I do not think I am better than everyone else, and I am aware that the rules apply to me. What happened happens everywhere, be it an elite college, a state school, or a commuter school. The difference is that people like yourself have a fixed belief, also known as a delusional, that all Bates students have a superiority complex and do not care about the consequences of their actions. Not true at all.
--Bates Alum '08
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I understand that it's the end of the school year and these students are excited to graduate and they decide to have a party to celebrate, but why should this turn into the typical Lewiston nonsense? I've always associated Bates college students with being highly educated and to a higher standard than this kind of behavior. I agree that the names of the people involved should be printed in the paper and they should be held accountable for their actions, saying which, they should not be able to attend graduation. I've known Officer Ullrich since my high school days, and he is a good man of the law, I'm sorry to hear about his injuries and I hope he recovers soon!
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Suspend them all, ban all involved seniors from graduation to show the group comeing in the fall what can happen if you act like a monkey I BET THOSE PEOPLE WILL NEVER MAKE THE COURT ROOM AFTER commencement WMTW reports that nine were arrested on charges of failure to disperse and disorderly conduct.
WHere are the names THEY SEEN TO HAVE TO MUCH TO LOSE IF NAMES ARE POSTED
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We are working today to get more details. The LPD is holding a press conference later this morning. As more details become available we will post them.
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How impressive to see those college students all drunked up,bloodied up and looking stupid! Will they be our next congressmen? Lawyers? Teachers? Wonder what they were there studying? Their names should be in the paper, the parents should be paying for all this as well as the costs of the injured policeman. Yes, all college students drink and have fun.......but to get this out of control? Please.............
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This was not the students' finest hour; clearly some acted stupidly, but I disagree with a number of comments. First Ms. Iistrati is not a "broad"; I thought that sort of comment in a public forum would be deemed inappropriate. Second, Bates College will not "shield" the students; they are adults and will have to have lawyers. Three, no one knows, from my reading of the incident, what the students were charged with and the reasons for their arrest, given that nothing was said by police department spokesmen. Fourth, this was nothing like the "food riot" over 50 years ago, which made national news, and students were fined for damages. Fifth, Bates students in the past have been expelled for criminal behavior--- no protection from the college. Sixth, Bates, like many other private non-profits, makes payments to the town or city in lieu of taxes. Seventh, the college provides a good number of jobs for the local community; to say otherwise is completely disingenuous. Eight, to condemn an entire community for this stupidity is reprehensible, considering that private institutions in Maine contribute mightily to an economy in a state which needs it---Colby, Bates Bowdoin---all have students who do very stupid things and whose actions can be documented. Finally, when the facts are known and heated commentary and tempers have cooled, this will be resolved and will fade, like so many other nasty incidents, into the academic ashbin of history. It seems as though everything that has been done, and continues to be done by the college and some of its students, has been trashed by the tenor of some of the commentary, and I refer to the public service done locally and at large. Finally, not every student who is in college is privileged, rich, and uncaring and irresponsible. A good number are on financial aid; there were about 200 students involved; there are about 2000 who atttend the college----to paint all with the same brush is ludicrous.
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10% participation in such an uncivil act is a pretty damn significant number.
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Bates has always operated on a very differnt stabdard than the taxpayers of Lewiston. The Bates Security Dept. does the best job it can. You have to remember that most of them are retired cops and work for the college. Bates does not want it's students to be subject to Maine laws. The Bates College administrators and their lawyers will be on the phone or in the DA's office DEMANDING that no info on the arrested students be released and that they not be prosecuted. Heck they will probably bail the students out and put them on a plane home. It will not be the first time that Bates College interferes with a police investigation.
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The College operates in a bubble and shields these kids from the real world. They dont pay any taxes, they do nothing for the city of Lewiston its host city. The students have an elitist mind set and attitude. I am sure the college will want to downplay this as much as possible.. It's all about the money. Good job LPD.. hope the officer is ok!
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Don't do anything for the town? I volunteered twice-a-week at after school programs for at-risk youth in Lewiston. I also volunteered at several shelters. This is NOT uncommon, Batesies are very dedicated to working in the community. How about the rally that was organized in 2002 for Somali immigrants that were being targeted by the local administration? Who stepped in to help bridge this relationship for the community?
It's unfortunate that this event has turned into a reason for people to degrade the quality of the school and vent ignorant presumptions. But... so goes free speech. I hope something constructive comes from this, I hope more people will understand the quality of the school and that the school will become more active in demonstrating their appreciation for the community. Clearly, some people don't see the work Bates does or maybe they just rather look down upon Bates because it is easier to hate than appreciate. (Didn't mean for that to sound korny...)
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And, they get to vote and affect the outcome of our elections.
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they register and they vote. What are they thinking, voting? Who gave them the right to vote? Oh, yeah, that stupid little thing called the Constitution of the United States.
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Hey, tron...the parrot thought you'd gone down to Niceragua to join the revolution...Good to see you're still here, blowing the same old smoke.
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Nice pirate avatar. Don't know if you are 7 years old, or have a bizarre case of schizophrenia.
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somehow you just new trannie would find a way to defend these idiots...birds of a feather....
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Not
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"Bates is a fairly difficult school to get in to."
No, the only requirement is that someone pay the bill. Bates, and Bowdoin, will take whoever has the money to pay the tuition. These are not Ivy League schools by any stretch. More often than not, Bates students are poor little rich kids who didn't have the academic creds to get in anywhere else. Yes, there have certainly been some illustrious Bates alumni, but there seems to be a disproportionate number of notorious alumni.
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Bates is VERY difficult to get into and if you knew anyone who attended this very highly regarded college you would know that. Something about the gap in the tooth, the smile, the Boston Red Sox tattoo....are you sure this guy attends Bates?
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Could you name a few "notorious alumni"?
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Your gross generalization just fuels the fire that all Bates students are bad eggs with money. Where did you get your information to base your statement????
I would like you to know that I was accepted at two ivy league schools and opted for Bates because Bates had better programs, a great student to faculty ratio, I would never be taught by a teaching assistant, had a better perccentage of students being accepted into med school than some of the ivies, and a much more warm, friendly community. I had a friend who turned down Yale because she liked Bates more. SO, to say that Bates is sub-par is ridiculous. Did you go to Bates?
Who are these notorious alumni???? Inform me. I want to see both sides.
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That is not only false, but completely illogical, which means that even if your premises were true, your conclusion would still be invalid. If the only requirements to get into Bates were ability to pay, then why are a third of all students on financial aid? Why not 100%, since over 5,000 kids apply and 25% are admitted. How come they are excusing those who had the ability and were willing to pay full boat, while accepting some from less-advantaged backgrounds? Clearly, there is criteria that overrides a student's economic background that is factored into the admission's process.
--Bates Alum '08
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Lewiston could offer more. They still accept students who like to drink a lot. They don't understand that they can't be saved. As a college they have to take in students who have a scholarship because by law they need it to look good.
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Do you actually think that is a question during the admissions process, "Do you drink a lot". Um, NO. If you base your admissions acceptance on whether a student drinks or not is discriminatory. Drinking is not part of the criteria to gain admissions at Bates or any other institution of higher learning. DO you think that Bates is the only institution that deals with students that drink heavily? Many student first start to drink during college, NOT before. Bates is not a 12-step program, they do not intend to "save" people.
And no, Bates has no legal obligation to admit students that need financial aid to "look good". Where do you get your information? I am baffled by the opinions expressed here. Have you ever talked to someone at Bates admissions? FYI, Bates has one of the smallest endowments of any similar school in the nation. If they could, they would offer a greater amount of financial aid. I worked on the admissions committee and know this for a fact.
I am going to go out on a limb here, as I try to see both sides of the story, but I do have to say that you need to come out of under your rock and base your assumptions on fact.
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Gotta justify and spend the endowment somehow, eh....
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Thank you Beantown861. It is completely ignorant for anyone to think that Bates admits studens who have money and no brains. It is damn hard to get into Bates, and it is a very tough school once you get in. A "C" at Bates is an "A" anywhere else. Look at the stats, and you will see this is not true. I am a "local" who went to bates based on my GPA and community involvement-----this earned me a full scholarship. I am now a third year medical student and the education at Bates is the foundation of my success in Med School. For all of you out there who think all Bates students are like the ones featured in this article, you are grossly misinformed. I think these idiots on the front page are just that--idiots. Thats does not mean they are not academically smart, it means that they make ridiculously dumb decisions. And yes, I hope that they are held accountable for their actions. They are not representative of the Bates---they are deviants from the norm.
I challenge all of you with misinformed opinions about Bates students and the Bates community at large to learn more about the campus and the contributions of the college to the community. Have a solid base for your opinions, rather than base you opinions on heresay or what others think. Yes, there are many wealthy students at Bates, but there are many (like me, aka not wealthy) who took advantage of all opportunities and found success at Bates. Go to a concert, walk through Olin Arts, check out the Earth Day celebration, attend MLK Day lectures, look at the community service projects done by Batesies. Dont assume, inform yourself!
I am proud to be a Bates Grad '03 and I find it disgusting that these ignorant drunken fools bring shame upon a school that does not promote this sort of behavior. Please dont be so judgemental about ALL Batesies being "whiny rich kids". It is not true. Thank you.
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you may not all be "rich", but you are certainly whinny and elitist.
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Excluding*
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As someone who has attended the college I can attest that it is indeed very hard to get in, that is unless you are a recruited varsity athlete or a legacy admit. The thing is, the same applies to the Ivy League colleges, which are infamous for the preference they give legacy kids. I am also willing to bet that the students who caused this fracas were a couple of meathead football players. I know that is jumping to conclusions, but it is well known at Bates that many of the recruits on the varsity teams are lower caliber students. I look forward to the reading the administration's response in the SJ. I will be very disappointed if they do not address this publicly.
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This is a sad comment from an alum of the school. First of all, you know nothing of the issue at hand. To suggest that a member of the football team did this is incredibly alarming. Some of the best kids to graduate from the school have been football players. Obviously you had issue with them as a student because this is an absurd comment. There were 200 people at the party. 75 players are on the football team. You do the math. If you want to come on here and act all high and mighty and take the road that has people not being type casted, then adhere to the rules yourself. This is so disrespectful.
As for the rest of the people on here that are bashing bates. I feel that bates does a lot for the community and i find it strange that you don't see that bates does a lot for the community. Let's face it, Lewiston is not a great town. Things are being done to make it a better place, but Bates is a huge attraction for local businesses. Walk downtown and see the type of people you run into. Without the campus, those are the only type of people you would see. The place would become Lisbon without Bates...
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actually things are being done by hard working townies to attract and create businesses. you are aware that when college lets out for summer, we don't close down the town, right? we somehow muddle through it all without you? also, you're so wonderful that the people who built this town and community and pay taxes and work here and live here are abhorrent to you? and lisbon is such a waste compared to the wonders that are you, right? what an elitist piece of parrot dropping.
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Lewiston doesn't have to offer, besides Bates. Most would agree...
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*much
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Wouldn't you be proud of your kid... You raise them and send them off to Bates.. spending big bucks to put them there.
They end up on the front page of the paper drunk, bloody and beligerent.
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rich daddies will pay to make this all "go away". these snob brats will feel no pain nor shame for their actions.
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Ya know... it's all fun and games until some cop falls and breaks his leg. I hope everyone had a good time. Always love to see the youth rebel and cut loose. Hope it was worth it. "Damn the man - save the empire"
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Obviously, you've never footed the bill to put a kid through college. You'd see it differently, friend.
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To inform that Istratii broad that was yelled at! It was none of your business what was happening if you could not figure out for yourself with all of the punk kids being stupid around you and causing the cops to break up their card games or whatever they do unless college kids break out of their cages in the middle of the night. Who does this poor broad think she is that she has to be told anything?
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This is one of the people there who did not cause any direct problems the police and thus was not arrested. You would be wise not to pick on a person who is innocent and simply expressed what happened that night.
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*to the police
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The parrot wonders how sober SHE was.
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If you want things to change, get off your computer, and ask some Bates students about what they think. I hope that isn't too much to ask for, between the Internet and the Olanzapine.
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Sgt. Ullrich suffered a broken leg in the incident. Not Bates College's finest hour.
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Yes, but the officer did this while he tried to trip a student. It worked, but the student fell on him. It was a dumb move on his part. He should have gotten backup. There were enough cops around.
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he had to restrain the kids some how. I think they should pay for his hospital bill than allowing our taxes to pay for it. It wasn't our fault.
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Bates College commencement is set to take place Sunday How come none of the names of the bates students are in the paper if anyone else from lewiston get arrested its in the paper twice
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Um, they need to actually get the names and statements before they can put them in the papers... They should be in the paper, and THEY WERE once they found them out!
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Great point, road..
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If the posters here are so disgusted with the behavior, then why don't they simply stick to that issue, instead of making larger attacks on the Bates community as a whole? If it is the case that one believes that a person's status exempts them from some kind of behavior, then said person is assuming intrinsic elements of that person without any real confirmation or sufficient evidence. Paradoxically, the posters do not seem to stay on the issue. They use it a stomping ground to ridicule the group as a whole based upon a small sample. How is this mode of thought any different from believing that the rules don't apply to you because of your status? Functionally, they may seem the same thing. Person A says this about Person B, based upon person A's own assumptions. Person A attacks the group to which Person B belongs. At the same time, Person A ridicules person B and group C for thinking the rules don't apply to them. Then Person A asks for respect, and issues commands that person A has just violated by making these claims and judgments against Person B and Group C. How can you ask for respect from those you are attacking, when you employ characteristics and baseless logic that actually contradict the commands you want beholden to you?
--Bates Alum '08
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you get respect by earning respect. just as any disorderly drunken jerk would be chastised by the group, you are now feeling it. the posts from batsies write about how unfair they were all treated, read them yourself. ask why they feel this way. is it because they really don't believe that their own personal actions have personal consequences? there are batsies actually comparing their drunken party to the civil rights movement. how insulting is that? they are blogging about suing the LPD and making us "look bad" as if that matters. if i was drunk and disobeyed an officer and got arrested, i would protest but know i am wrong and did wrong. as an adult i would be ultamitly forced to take responsibility for my actions. leave the double speak to "1984".
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Nice retort. Ignoring every single question posed, and then restating exactly which contradicts everything I said, yet perpetuates this baseless argument. I wonder if it had anything to do with the fact you didn't know how to respond. Doublespeak is any language that deliberately disguises, distorts, or reverses the meaning of words, which I did none of. Your claim of doublespeak does not match the criteria of the definition. If I did, feel free to point it out to me. You do not earn respect by giving respect. Using this logic, I could disrespect everyone who has never respected me, even if I had only one experience with a person. How can conflicts get resolved when an act of disrespect can be matched with disrespect by the person who received the disrespect? By telling someone you must earn respect from you, you are essentially relegating someone to a submissive role. That is not how things work. Just because the students are complaining about the way they are treated, does not automatically mean this feeling comes from having a superiority complex. Prove to me it does.
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they*
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You make an excellent point. Where are the names? I also hope the District Attorney's doesn't file these cases for costs or other such nonesense. Those that were arrested deserve to have to check off that "Have you ever been arrested/convicted?" "Please Explain:" box on their future job applications.
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Bates is a fairly difficult school to get in to. The morons in these pics dont look to bright, I am guessing that some of those involved were not students, that said when the trouble started those that were innocent should have dispersed and not have stuck around to impede the police trying to protect public safety!
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the students were expecting the police to kind and happy to see them in the early morning hours...welcome to the real world rich kids. I'm sure there will be more to come about this.
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gotta love the pic... beaten, arrested and still enough fortitude to flash the #1 sign...... I miss college
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DOPE OF ALL DOPES MAKE PARENTS PAY HEAVY FINES!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Better yet bill the kids and parents for thr co$t!
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Great idea, Bob
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Apparently a Bates education does not include a law imput, otherwhise they would know you are only given your 'rights' when you are questioned for the offence you have been arrested, and certainly not on the street in a public order situation. Well done for the departments involved in this difficult and dangerous situaiton, there are few things worse than being vastly outnumbered by aggressive drunks.
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As a Bates student, I am seriously disturbed by this comment.
Bates' education is highly reputable, the Politics department is especially strong. Sorry, thats not common knowledge. The police departments had no reason to act the way they did. I'm not defending student actions, people are dumb when inebriated, however, I was there. This wasn't a crowd of "aggressive drunks." This was a celebration of the last week of school for the seniors. Nobody was looking for a fight. The only violence was on the part of the police officers, who thought they were above the law. To beat down innocent students going back to their dorms, and harmless drunks, even after they have been handcuffed, is inexcusable. This isn't me trying to make police officers look bad. I respect what they do, and the position they put themselves in to protect our community, but the way they went about it last night in front of Smith Dorm, was violently inappropriate.
Bates is not a school ruled by wild sororities and fraternities. We work hard in every arena, in the classroom, in the art studio, in the music hall, and on the sports fields. Don't presume to make nasty assumptions through generalizations.
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Bates really isn't that great of a school. I hate when I'm at ER for something serious and they are rolling in like four students who need their stomach pumped. The school, needs to fine the families and not allow the students to graduate. Being drunk on campus is still not right! They should respect the town that they are visiting, the people who live here hate it when they come up from school. I will not drive by the school, because they don't know how to act or how to respect the people who live around here. They take over the hospitals with all the drunk students from out of state. I don't get if people are suppose to be smart, then why are being arrested for being drunk. The parents must have bought the kids way into college. If they would work, and not drink all the time. They walk around late at night drunk and swearing, that is a great college student. Remind me again, why a school with a now trashed name would want to tell all the new students for the fall that they are a great learning institute when they aren't.
The police where right to arrest the students, How many of them were 21. Maybe none! They don't have rights when they are drunk! The police don't have to read a Drunk idiot their rights. If I went there I would be embarrassed to say that was my school.
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Bates is a PHENOMENAL school! And I am proud to be a Batesie!
Although, I of course do not condone any violence and don't approve of some behavior that did take place, yet there does seem to be more to the story.
As previously stated by another Batesie, this behavior is certainly not unique to Bates. I have seen much worse at other academic institutions with similar accreditations. I have seen even worse behavior at state institutions, but Bates being such a small school has the unfortunate position of having drunken incidences being blown out of portion (not that this situation may be).
Bates students are INCREDIBLY intelligent, to a fault at times. Our aggressive academic pursuits coupled with our high standards and expectations of achieving something great in our fields (non-profits, science, art, politics, etc.) leads to nearly equal behaviors in letting loose, "partying." Some students view this collegiate opportunity to live a uninhibited life, drinking and disregarding any consequences. While drinking conditions may need to be addressed at Bates, they need to be addressed even more at a national level. This is not a unique "problem" that Bates has.
This incidence has absolutely no impact on the quality of the institution and many prospect youth with academic integrity will undoubtedly find Bates to be a phenomenal school.
Lastly, I don't doubt that most the students attending this party were 21 and over as you will note in the article that this was a "Senior" party in a freshman dorm. This time of year the seniors have an informal tradition of going back to their freshman dorms and remembering how far they have come. We had some fabulous parties my senior year prior to graduating and I am bit devastated to see how this one spiraled out of control. Nevertheless I AM PROUD TO BE A BATES GRADUATE!
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Qualityed- You may have the right to be proud but I would be ashamed that this many student idiots almost cause a riot in the name of celebrating at my University! Everyone one of them should spend some time in a tent city like that nice Sheriff out in AZ runs. Bologna sandwichs, etc. Clean up city streets, collect garbage.
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Just to comment: I'm a Lewiston-born and raised Bates College graduate, and a Lewiston tax-paying homeowner. Am I disgusted with the student behavior described in the article? Absolutely. Am I at all embarrassed of graduating from Bates College? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Would I go there again? ABSOLUTELY. Would I encourage my children, or children of friends to go to Bates? ABSOLUTELY. Did my parents "buy" my way into Bates? Well, I've just finished over a decade of student-loan payments to say NO to that one.
Listen, I wasn't there - but I don't believe for a second that the students were all innocent lambs who weren't doing anything wrong. However, I've attended and worked for many different Colleges and Universities, and the vitriolic comments I'm reading here describing town-gown relationships are common to many of them.
Bates does a heck of a lot of good for this community - check out or look up the Harward Center for Community Partnership to see some of the good that Bates students/professors do.
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You are entitled to your opinion, but I also have the right to counter your notion that "Bates really isn't that great of a school". Why so you think this? Am I stupid for choosing Bates over my acceptances at Johns Hopkins, Bowdoin, Williams and Tulane? I dont know how I got into Med school if Bates wasnt a good school. It is indeed a great institution of highter learning, and there is nothing that can counter that, not even an episode of drunken madness. FYI, cant buy your way into Med school and contrary to popular belief, you dont buy your way into Bates either (I served on the admissions committee and dealt with the inner-workings of the admissions process).
Also, you dont get it when "people are suppose to be smart, then why are being arrested for being drunk" Drinking has nothing to do with intellegence...So are you saying that people that go to supposedly "good" schools, ie Harvard and Yale, dont get ridiculously drunk? You are very misinformed if this is the core of your belief. I have been on the Harvard campus and witnesed a student that fell out of a second story window after a huge party was broken up. Wonder how many neurons that Harvard student killed that night.....DO you really think that the same thing does not go on at UMaine, USM, Colby, or any other university? Granted, it does not make it right, but dont say it happens exclusively at Bates. I worked in a busy ER for three years and saw many students who were treated for alcohol poisioning (fyi, stomach pumping is not the favored treatment anymore, ask an ER doc). I ALSO say many people who were not college students admitted for alcohol poisoning. Touche.
I agree, I am glad they were arrested. If you act like an moron, then you deserve the consequences. As for being "embarassed" about saying I am a Bates grad, i feel quite the contrary. I am proud of Bates and my accomplishments there. These jerks are not representitive of the institution, but unfortunately they do marr the reputation.
I see your screen name is "Leavittdollface". I just happen to be a Leavitt grad too, and I am assuming that you may have went there too. Should I be embarassed of Leavitt because of your ignorant comments about Bates being a crap school, and your belief that all Bates students are drunken fools that "walk around late at night drunk and swearing, that is a great college student. Remind me again, why a school with a now trashed name would want to tell all the new students for the fall that they are a great learning institute when they aren't. " Should I think that Leavitt is a crap high school because they turn out one student (ie, you, if you are indeed a Leavitt grad) who makes assumptions and bases his/her opinion of an entire college based on a habitually drunken few? Should I be embarassed of Leavitt? The answers are NO, NO, and NO.
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