Rice University cancels on-campus student 'public' parties after 'Night of Decadence' hospitalizations
HOUSTON - Rice University has canceled student on-campus "public" parties through spring break after an event last week ended with some students in the hospital.
According to the student newspaper the Rice Thresher, the Night of Decadence held at Wiess Residential College on Oct. 29 was shutdown early after a response by medical personnel and campus police.
The "Night of Decadence," a lingerie and underwear-themed party, marked its 50th anniversary this year and is known as one of the biggest yearly gatherings at the university's residential colleges. However, this year's celebration took a troubling turn as seven Rice University students had to be rushed to the hospital due to intoxication, while more than two dozen others received on-site treatment.
In addition to the cancelation of public parties, Dean of Undergraduates Bridget Gorman wrote in an email to students that only those 21 and older will be allowed at Pub nights, and the Night of Decadence will be placed on probation as leadership reevaluates the structure of the party, the Rice Thresher reported.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among the student body. Some students acknowledge that the cancellation of parties is a consequence of their actions, while others worry that it may compromise the vibrant student life and party culture on campus.
Jeff Falk, the Director of News and Media Relations at Rice University, explained the institution's response to the incident: "The university is taking prompt action and canceling campuswide public parties through spring break in response to the events at last weekend's 'Night of Decadence' party. In addition, 'Night of Decadence' will be placed on probation, with reduced capacity and enhanced safety protocols at future parties."
Prayag Gordy, Editor-in-Chief of The Rice Thresher, raised concerns about both the social and health aspects of the situation, saying, "Rice can't keep having these students transported to the hospital every week, but making you hide it, that's not a great solution either."
Despite the incident, "Night of Decadence" has a long tradition at Rice University and was even named one of Playboy's top college parties. Recent years have seen efforts to make the event safer and focus more on body and sex positivity.
Rice University's alcohol policies currently ban hard alcohol on campus and on the nights of public parties, like the Night of Decadence, but allow students aged 21 and older to consume soft alcohol, such as beer, wine, and seltzers, until they enter the event. In accordance with Texas law, students under 21 are also prohibited from consuming alcohol at Rice.
The campus administration will be reviewing its policies moving forward, and students hope for a collaborative effort in the decision-making process.
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While alcohol will not be banned from campus, Gorman told the Thresher that she is asking Student Judicial Programs to consider an enhanced response to alcohol policy violations.
The Thresher tells FOX 26 that the Dean of Undergraduates is reconvening the alcohol policy advisory committee – this was the committee formed after the 2012 NOD event that resulted in several students being hospitalized for intoxication. Members of that committee have not been selected yet.
Riya Misra, also Editor-in-Chief at The Rice Thresher, mentioned, "As far as I've heard, there's going to be student representatives, so that includes Presidents of residential colleges, chief justices, different student leaders from across campus. They haven't been selected yet, but I really do think student voice is taken into account."
The university gave this statement to FOX 26:
"The health and safety of our students is the top priority at Rice University. The university is taking prompt action and canceling campuswide public parties through spring break in response to the events at last weekend’s ‘Night of Decadence’ party. In addition, ‘Night of Decadence’ will be placed on probation, with reduced capacity and enhanced safety protocols at future parties. Pub nights at Rice’s student center will now be restricted to students 21 and older through spring break. A committee will also convene to review the university’s alcohol policy. Students in violation of the alcohol policy could face increased sanctions as Rice re-visits the rules."