SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) – Dozens of University of Rhode Island students gathered in front of President Robert Carothers’ office Monday to protest the school’s new disciplinary rules.

Designed to reduce drunken driving and other alcohol-related problems, the rules let the university punish students accused of breaking the law off-campus. They also give residence hall directors more power to search dorm rooms.

“Everybody is against drunk driving,” said Micah Daigle, spokesman for the URI Student Rights Coalition, which organized Monday’s protest.

But students believe the university is approaching the problem the wrong way. University officials should let Narragansett police deal with problems that take place in the town, Daigle said. They also should have better cause to search dorm rooms than seeing towels by the door or hearing fans – which might or might not be a sign of drug use.

Carothers talked to Daigle and other students briefly during the protest.

“He told me there was little chance of him changing his mind at this point,” Daigle said.