UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – More than a dozen Penn State student leaders have joined to produce a video denouncing State Patty’s Day, and urging students to respect their University and the surrounding community on Feb. 23.
The video is part of an effort by Penn State and State College Borough to target the student-organized drinking holiday that strains local law enforcement and emergency medical services, leads to an increase in vandalism and is detrimental to the reputation of Penn State and its students. Organizations such as the University Park Undergraduate Association, the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council and the Lion Ambassadors are represented in the video.
Increased fines -- in effect since December – for alcohol violations along with a ban on parties by Greek-letter organizations and curtailed hours or closures at downtown taverns are among the reasons students cite for avoiding the destructive event. State Patty’s Day alternatives highlighted by the students, include the State Day of Service, the Bon Jovi concert the night of Feb. 23 at the Bryce Jordan Center and Penn State athletic events.