Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I am writing to you today to provide a follow-up to the events that occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 29, resulting in ISU Emergency Alerts shared with the campus community. I want to assure you that the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff, and university community is our top priority.

This past weekend, individuals external to the University and Bloomington-Normal communities promoted a “pop-up party” that was attended by more than 1,000 people in north Normal. The party began in a park near campus and later moved to a gas station in the 300 block of North Main Street. At approximately 3:30 a.m., as local police agencies were dispersing the large crowd near and around the gas station, gunfire erupted in the 300 block of North University Street, resulting in the death of one individual and critical injuries for another. While police have confirmed that neither victim is affiliated with the University, our community remains profoundly impacted. I share the sentiments expressed by many in our community, including sympathy for the victims’ families, shock and anger that such violence occurred adjacent to campus, and concern for the safety of our community.

Recently, there has been an increase in pop-up parties publicized via social media to college-aged students by outside promoters and organizations in college towns around the country. Events organized by external groups can present challenges to maintaining the safety and well-being of students, as they operate outside standard university policies and procedures. In many instances, “pop-up parties” like this one are held on public property without a permit or on the property of non-consenting businesses. This is unacceptable and damages public and private property, disrupts local businesses and residential neighborhoods, and consumes significant university and community resources. Normal Mayor Chris Koos and I have discussed and are in strong agreement that these types of events have no place in our community.

Illinois State University is committed to providing student experiences that are safe, inclusive, and reflective of our university values. Various campus departments are planning meetings with student leaders to discuss the student experience and ISU in Conversation events will be held on October 14 and 15, with the topic of campus safety. Additionally, I encourage you to download the Safe Redbirds app, which offers in-person and virtual safe walks and other safety-related features, including virtual blue lights, emergency guides, emergency-related maps, and support resources.

It is possible that members of our community may experience distress as a result of this incident. Students seeking support should not hesitate to reach out at any time to Student Counseling Services at (309) 438-3655 or by visiting their website.  Faculty and staff in need of support are encouraged to seek services provided by the Employee Assistance Program offered by Human Resources.

As a reminder, this incident remains under investigation by the Normal Police. Anyone with information should contact the Normal Police at 309-454-9535. Tips may be made anonymously by texting 847411, typing in NORMALPD, and then including your tip.

Sincerely,

Aondover Tarhule, Ph.D.
President