As eyes turn their focus onto Detroit and the Final Four game between MSU and Connecticut on Saturday, and reminders of NCAA Final Four disturbances come up, student leaders at Michigan State University are calling for calm.

In a press release titled: “Fearing riots, MSU Student Government calls for responsible Final Four party behavior,” the leaders from the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU) released their combined statement to the student body:
 

“In order to preserve the image of the university as respectable, as well as to protect MSU’s campus and the surrounding area, and student body, [ASMSU] encourages all to celebrate responsibly this weekend, no matter what the outcome of the Final Four tournament.”

In addition, Mike Webber, Chairperson for Student Assembly, said, “It’s important for us as student leaders to take a proactive role along with the student body in protecting the future of our university and surrounding areas.”

The release noted that in 2005 “large amounts of tear gas” were used to quell crowds after MSU lost in the NCAA Final Four. In fact, the East Lansing Police Department used over 300 canisters of tear gas that year. In April of last year, East Lansing Police dispersed a large crowd in Cedar Village Apartments with just 13 canisters of tear gas.

Police are hoping for a peaceful celebration, but are making preparations in case those celebrations turn “riotous,” ELPD Chief Tom Wibert said.