By
Kevin Clerici
Arizona Daily Wildcat
It's been a week since the smoke has cleared on Fourth Avenue, where rioters destroyed a family's home and ignited a police retaliation that cost a university student his eye.
Yet, people are still talking.
The administration is angry.
Parents want answers.
Students are frustrated - some because they're being categorized with the "thugs" who ripped into the popular off-campus scene, others are tired of all the blame falling on young people. Through it all, the local and national media continues to run headlines and broadcast fiery images that scar the university's fragile reputation.
Well, UA's leaders want to hear more.
"We need to talk about it," Associate Dean Carol Thompson said. "And we want people to feel free and safe to say whatever they are feeling."
Thursday at noon on the UA Mall stage area, The Dean of Students office is holding an open forum.
Five leaders have already agreed to come - university President Peter Likins, Dean of Students Melissa Vito, university Police Chief Tony Daykins, student body President Ben Graff and vice president of campus life Saundra Taylor. They want more.
"We decided, based on student and parent and community feedback, that there was a real need for our campus community to talk about what happened," Thompson said. "We don't want something like this to happen again, and part of assuring that is by having a dialogue."
The forum will last one hour. No topic is off-limits, Taylor said.
"The riot has garnered national attention," she said. "It made it appear that these are uncontrolled U of A fans rather than put the event in context.
"We know that there were some students that personally experienced things there and observed why it happened. They need to speak up."
Last week, Likins called individuals involved in the April 2 riot following Arizona's loss in the NCAA Championship "thugs" and contributed $1,000 for information leading to their arrest and conviction. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 88-CRIME.
Two hours after Duke defeated Arizona, 82-72, disappointed fans overturned multiple vehicles and started fires that burned a family's Winnebago and a nearby bar. Businesses in the area reported more than 40 incidents of damage.
Several people suffered minor injuries, while a UA freshman had his left eye surgically removed after he was hit by a police projectile during the disturbance.
Seven university students were arrested on the night. No university action has been taken against them.
"Some students are frustrated with other students," Thompson said. "Some are mad at police. Some are embarrassed by what happened.
"To be a responsible part of the community, we need to engage in some serious dialogue in what happened," she added. "We need to take steps so we don't come to this place again."
Forum Information
What: Open Forum
When: Thursday at noon
Where: UA Mall stage area
Topic: The April 2 riot
Why: Students and community members can share their stories, thoughts, opinions and suggestions with UA leaders
