Weeks after partiers trashed Hamilton neighbourhood, McMaster University reminds students to be ‘respectful’ Halloween weekend

Ahead of one of the biggest party nights of the year, McMaster University issued a plea to students ahead of Halloween. They’re asking that they “keep safety and respect for the community and neighbours top of mind.”

The university says it will be working with police and city bylaw officers to make sure the neighbourhoods around campus “stay safe and peaceful around Halloween.”

Students are being asked to keep gatherings small and keep the noise at a minimum. Large fines are still being handed out under the province’s COVID-19 reopening act and sanctions could also be handed out under McMaster’s Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities.

Hamilton police made arrests after a “fake homecoming” party took place in early October. About 5,000 students partied on a residential street off-campus, leaving a wave of destruction and resulting in multiple charges.

Glass bottles and cans were launched at officers and a squad car was damaged. A car was also flipped over.

McMaster president David Farrar called the students’ actions “completely unacceptable.”

“McMaster students, and any others who chose to be part of the gathering of several thousand people in our community on Saturday, owe our neighbours, our emergency workers and every other student an apology for the disruptions, disrespect of property and disregard of those who live in our community,” Farrar said in a statement.

“On their behalf, I apologize for this behaviour, particularly by those who caused damage and put anyone at risk.”

Police said no one was seriously hurt, but “several individuals were treated for injuries consistent with falling and excessive alcohol consumption.”