Student Association Response to Suspension of Fountain Day

In response to the University canceling Fountain Day 2011 in response to the Kegs and Eggs riots, Student Association President Justin Wax Jacobs has released the following statement Sunday afternoon:

"The decision by the University to cancel Fountain Day affects every student. The Student Association, with the greater sentiment of the student population, is disappointed with the decision. This decision was made completely by the University with no input by Student Association or any student leader. President Philip and the administration have taken full responsibility for the decision and although we respect their candor, we don't ultimately agree with the result.

Fountain Day is funded by the University, with a small portion of the funding coming from the Student Association's annual sponsorship of the event. At present, our position with the appropriated funds for our Fountain Day sponsorship are currently under discussion. Earlier in the academic year, in consultation with Vice President Leah Rotella and Director of Programming Joe Bonilla, we had previously decided to remove the concert from Fountain Day to ensure that there will be an event to enjoy the conclusion of the 2010-2011 academic year.

As an organization, we are committed to stepping up to the plate and making up for the cancellation of Fountain Day in anyway possible with our resources. Furthermore, we also ask, while there may be an overwhelming tide of resentment and the need to voice this resentment, we ask that students do not take any negative action as both the Albany Police Department and University Police Department are prepared take action against those who create unrest in the coming weeks. Any response to the decision should be and will be taken up by SA and student leaders to voice the concerns of the student body as a whole.

The last thing that any student needs is to be arrested, not only will there be a permanent mark on their record and reputation, but on the University as well."

Labels: fountain day 2011, fountain day canceled, fountain day response, justin wax jacobs, student association, ualbany, university at albany