Student Judicial Programs investigates snow day antics
Editor’s Note: The identity of students mentioned in this story have been removed to protect them from retaliation due to ongoing disciplinary procedures. The anonymous students were given false names, marked with an asterisk when first mentioned.
Rice students climbed onto the roof of Lovett Hall Jan. 21 during a snowball fight in the academic quad. The Rice University Police Department received a call about students on the roof, which prompted officers to respond and direct students to leave. Student Judicial Programs is still investigating the situation.
“This incident is still under investigation,” Kamran Riaz, SJP director, wrote in an email to the Thresher. “No sanctions have been issued, but that does not mean there will not be any once we complete the investigation.”
RUPD Chief of Police Clemente Rodriguez said names were collected for potential disciplinary measures on the day of the event.
“Officers responded and advised the students they could not be on the roof and had them leave,” Rodriguez wrote in an email to the Thresher Jan. 30. “It’s important that we all stay safe and not put ourselves or others at risk, especially during extreme weather days.”
Kyler* said police waited until he and his friend had climbed off of the roof and into the building before stopping them.
“They didn’t yell or tell us to stop,” Kyler said. “Once we were inside, they asked for our IDs. It felt like they were waiting for us to come down.”
Kyler said that students in the stairwell were also asked to provide their IDs.
Sofia* said the rooftop gathering was lighthearted and collaborative.
“Everyone was having fun, helping each other to make sure no one slipped,” Sofia wrote to the Thresher. “I didn’t think there were risks beyond falling on the ice.”
Will Rice College sophomore Shrusti Modi said she saw students throwing snowballs back and forth between the roof and the ground.
“It was packed up there, maybe 40 or more people,” Modi said. “The snow was soft, so I didn’t think anyone was in danger.”
Despite RUPD’s intervention, many students said they felt safe during the event. Kyler said the roof was slippery but manageable.
“Everyone was being careful,” Kyler said. “We were just enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You don’t get snow days like that in Houston.”
Modi said she later saw a drone video posted by Rice on social media that showed the snowball fight in the academic quad. The video also showed students on the roof of Lovett Hall.
Jones College sophomore Christian Diaz said he was concerned about the investigation but hoped administrators would consider the context of the event.
“I assumed if so many people were up there, it had to be okay,” Diaz said. “It wasn’t something I thought about in the moment.”
Modi said she could understand the administration’s safety concerns but did not expect the situation to escalate.
“I see why they might be upset, but it just seemed like students having fun,” Modi said.
No further updates have been provided regarding the investigation.
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