HOUSTON — Rice University is making changes after several people ended up in the hospital and others were treated after a party on campus.
It happened Saturday at the "Night of Decadence" party at Wiess College. Rice Dean of Undergraduates Bridget Gorman sent a letter to students earlier this week outlining those changes.
According to the university, seven students were taken to the hospital because of "high levels of intoxication" and others needed treatment. Gorman said a big issue was students showing up to the events already intoxicated, blaming ‘pre-gaming’ with alcohol.
Among the changes being made – all campus-wide public parties have been canceled through spring break 2024. Gorman said she hopes they can resume after that.
The Night of Decadence Party is also being put on probation. An internal review of what happened that night will be conducted and safety measures will be put in place.
A committee is being put together to look at the alcohol policy on campus. The Alcohol Policy Advisory Committee will review the current policy, which was put in place 25 years ago, with some changes along the way.
Rice sent KHOU 11 the following statement Friday afternoon.
Rice University is canceling all campuswide public parties through spring break in response to the events at last weekend’s “Night of Decadence” party. In addition, “Night of Decadence” will be placed on probation, with reduced capacity and enhanced safety protocols at future parties. Pub nights at Rice’s student center will now be restricted to students 21 and older through spring break. A committee will also convene to review the university’s alcohol policy. Students in violation of the alcohol policy could face increased sanctions as Rice re-visits the rules.
This isn't the first time there have been hospitalizations related to the party. In 2012, there were 11 hospitalizations related to alcohol following the Night of Decadence.