The Pride

Issue date: 3/18/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Jackie Carbajal Guests argue with security after being asked to leave.

Sat. March 15-Spring Fling, the Associated Student Incorporated sponsored event, was cut short after a guest in attendance jumped overboard. The dance, held on the San Diego Harbor Excursions "Spirit Of San Diego" yacht, began late due to a lack of cooperation from many guests in attendance. As the entrance room to board the boat crowded, security asked guests to separate in two lines: under 21 and over 21. Guests became restless the longer they had to wait.

Visibly intoxicated students boarded the yacht, while one guest even vomited on several students. Once students settled on the yacht, they visited the casino tables or the dance floor. However, roughly forty-five minutes after the yacht departed, casino dealers closed their tables and security informed students the dance was over. None of the intended raffle prizes were distributed. The yacht docked at least an hour and a half earlier, even though the original end-time for the event was 12 a.m.

"I am ashamed of our school right now," said CSUSM business major Kristina Lawler. "I could not believe they allowed people under 21 that were visibly drunk-couldn't even walk-on the boat. I even saw two people having sex in the middle of the poker room, next to the dealer. The security guards came and I heard them say, 'This thing is over. Everybody needs to start moving to the front. Somebody just jumped off and we're going back to shore.'"

Disappointed guests departed for their cars while many others waited for the Party Bus to return.

"The Titanic was less of a disaster. It was basically pure insanity. Tons of drunk minors. Unsafe and irresponsible," said guest from CSUSB Tom Buck. "But it was amusing to watch."

Attempts to identify the status of the individual who jumped overboard have not yet been confirmed. Investigations are still ongoing regarding the other students under 21 present at the event.

"If there is an alcohol violation and there is an active report about someone being publicly intoxicated at a campus event or related event, that could be grounds [for investigation]," said Associate Dean of Students, Gregory J. Toya. "At this point, there are no alcohol specific cases. And if there was, regarding individuals, I can't disclose information because of FERPA."

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), protects the privacy of student education records by Federal law.
"ASI and Student Affairs are still investigating the situation," said Coordinator of Student Activities, Sara Gallegos. "Students shouldn't believe all the rumors."

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