UW-Madison Dean of Students Lori Berquam, who gained viral fame for telling students not to attend the Mifflin Street Block Party, said Monday this year’s party was safer than the last, though she is still concerned about the event.
While Berquam jokingly said she followed her own advice and did not attend the party, she said the event was more successful than it was in 2011, despite lingering issues.
Berquam said there were reports of sexual assault and many students were taken to detox, but overall, the event was an improvement from last year.
“I think it was a safer event and for that I am glad,” she said.
While Madison police reported there were 393 arrests as of midnight on May 5, Captain Carl Gloede told the Wisconsin State Journal the unofficial count for arrests totals over 500.
Berquam said she was happy to know a number of students did adhere to the rules and hosted legal house parties.
“I do appreciate many students took the advice and direction from police and complied,” Berquam said. “I appreciate the efforts students actually put forth to make it a safer event and take care of each other.
As for the future of the block party, Berquam said the city needs to decide how they are going to plan for the event, especially when deciding how to police it.
“If the event is going to continue, I want it to continue in a safe way, so that students don’t have to worry about the impact that this will have on their lives,” Berquam said.
