File Photo/Arizona Daily Wildcat A group of approximately 1,500 gathered the morning of Oct. 19, to protest possible war with Iraq. Though the protest was peaceful, authorities are working on plans to deal with future demonstrations.

Student government, deans draw up plans to deal with potential anti-war rallies

As war with Iraq becomes imminent, discussions are taking place in the Dean of Student's office to prepare for possible protests or crowd situations on campus.

The talk is centered on increasing the number of students, staff, faculty and police who would step in to deal with a situation.

Student body President Doug Hartz said that a recent meeting, headed by associate dean of students Veda Kowalski, covered how the university would react in a situation where safety was compromised or threatened.

"More members of the community need to be assembled ÷ employees, staff and students ÷ to ensure safety in any situation," Hartz said.

Those to be added to the expanded network of responders would include student organization representatives, student union representatives, the University of Arizona Police Department, the attorney's office and members of organizations in "high-traffic areas."

An Oct. 19 protest that drew more than 1,000 people near Old Main spurred the decision. Kowalski and UAPD officers monitored the protest and, although it was peaceful, Kowalski said there may be an increased need to reexamine the university's policies on safety because of the impending possibility of a United States war against Iraq.

Kowalski said she didn't have concerns about the peaceful protest, but was concerned about responding to any large group that has the potential to get out of hand.

UAPD Cmdr. Brian Seastone said the issue did not come up just because of the possible war with Iraq. The new policies are to ensure the students' safety, no matter the topic of protest.

"This is an ongoing program for demonstrations and potential demonstrations," Seastone said.

The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Friday for a new resolution aimed at Iraq. If Saddam Hussein fails to comply with the resolution, which would require weapons inspections of the country, Iraq could face war.

Monday, the Iraqi Parliament rejected the resolution. Hussein has until Friday to comply.

Seastone said the protest against war in Iraq that started at Old Main in October, was a "great demonstration and everything was fine and orderly."

Kowalski and Hartz both stressed the importance of respecting the right of people to assemble and protest.

"We are working to try and make sure if there are issues ÷ oppositions and protests on campus ÷ no one is in danger," said Hartz. "Freedom of assembly should be exercised in a safe, coordinated manner," he said.