ISU investigating large off-campus gathering

Posted on September 9, 2020
Illinois State University President Larry Dietz spoke to reporters Wednesday morning during a press briefing with Gov. JB Pritzker. (Blake Haas/WJBC)

 

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – Officials at Illinois State University are investigating a large off-campus party that happened late Tuesday night.

ISU President Larry Dietz said the gathering happened when a social media company called the “NELK Boys” showed up in town.

Many gathered Tuesday night at The Lodge on Willow as seen in a picture posted on Snap Map, which appears on a map and updates when you open Snapchat. (Photo courtesy Snapchat)

“A crowd of more than 70 reportedly gathered around the NELK Boys at a local apartment complex in the early morning hours. Normal Police arrived and the crowd dispersed,” said Dietz during a press briefing Wednesday with Gov. JB Pritzker. “It really gives me no joy to convey my great disappointment in the actions of those who gathered.”

Dietz said those identified at the gathering could face consequences in the school’s student conduct code. He said the code applies to students both on and off campus.

“Interim suspensions are possible, suspensions are possible, interruptions in the students’ plan to be here are all possible,” he said. “We take this very very seriously.”

Dietz added that there are many students who are doing the right thing, and the university doesn’t want the actions of a few to completely interrupt the good work of the many.

Since the start of classes in mid-August, ISU has reported 1,321 students have tested positive for COVID-19 with a positivity rate of almost 14%.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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