7 arrested following impromptu homecoming party near McMaster University
CBC
McMaster University said Sunday it will be "cooperating fully" with Hamilton police and supporting their work to identify those who participated in any illegal activities during what it is calling a "fake homecoming" event on Saturday.
Police said they arrested and charged two individuals for Liquor Licence Act Offences, as well as five individuals for "breach of the peace/cause disturbance," during the incident.
Sean Van Koughnett, associate vice president and dean of students, said it might be challenge to identify students who were involved in behaviour that qualifies for disciplinary action, however sanctioning students is an option.
"Our student code allows for those sanctions. We are able to expel and suspend," Koughnett told CBC Hamilton.
"If the behaviour warrants it and it's within the scope of our code we will sanction appropriately, and expulsion and suspension is on the table."
Saturday's impromptu homecoming party attracted "several thousand people," the university said.
Koughnett said McMaster purposely did not have an official homecoming event this year, but added that regardless of efforts to quell "large mobs getting together," young people want to do that and they'll often find a way.