I have been a student here at Ohio State for more than four years, yet I am still unable to explain why students riot, even with or without a Michigan victory and National Championship.

I know the Buckeyes beat Michigan and had an undefeated season. I also know they’re going to the national championship, and I am extremely proud of them for all of these accomplishments.

But, in the grand scheme of things, who cares? Is one football game any reason to violently riot?

I have been a witness to almost every riot OSU has seen in the past three years, and on each of those occasions (including this past Saturday night), the theme of the crowd was the same: mindless self-indulgence.

Thankfully, the Columbus Division of Police and Mayor Michael Coleman promised mass arrests, swift prosecution and harsher penalties (including jail sentences) for student rioters. University President Karen A. Holbrook has publicly vowed to expel students who are arrested for their involvement in the depravity.

I firmly demand Mayor Coleman, President Holbrook and the police to make good on these promises.

I am confident a large number of you who are reading this article right now were involved in the violence. I am a firm believer in custom-tailoring a punishment to fit a crime, and I’d like nothing more than for each and every one of you who contributed to Saturday night’s brainless debauchery to pay through the nose.

I am writing this article with genuine, unmistakable feelings of anger, morbid curiosity and embarrassment.

You might be asking yourself, “Where do his feelings of anger, morbid curiosity and embarrassment come from?”

My anger comes from the fact innocent students had their cars flipped over and set on fire while blameless businesses (such as Long’s Book Store, a famous OSU landmark) were deliberately attacked and vandalized for no reason. Students should be taking care of those in our community, not exploiting each other.

My morbid curiosity spawns from an inability to understand why students would destroy property on their own campus and in their own neighborhoods, ruining a joyous occasion that was graced by a vibe of school spirit, pride and unity.

Finally, my embarrassment comes from the fact radio stations, television networks and newspapers nationwide are covering our stupidity, ruining the stellar reputation of an illustrious university and making the rest of the country think OSU is a haven for academic criminals.

Many of you opposed to the rioting believe we shouldn’t label the violence of Saturday night a “riot,” per se, because a riot has the connotation of a public protest to some political or social injustice. OSU riots are (as we all know) certainly not the case.

However, I propose this assessment of the situation: “riots” did occur, because a riot is nothing more than a senseless, drunken, unintelligent mob running through the streets, destroying public and private property for nothing more than a momentary thrill or to validate their need for an adolescent rebellion against authority.

A violent “protest” or “demonstration” should be more aptly paired with situations where political, social or religious themes and causes are at stake. I understand hating Michigan is a religion on this campus, but an athletic rivalry shouldn’t be a call for lawlessness.

I make a heartfelt plea and a stern, unyielding demand to the immature delinquents routinely causing violent, criminal disturbances on our campus: please stop doing this or leave our campus.

The vast majority of students don’t want you here. Quite frankly, you don’t deserve to be a student at this school, enjoying the benefits of a large, urban, internationally, prestigious institution.

Grow up, take responsibility for your actions and act like the educated adults you claim to be.

Andy Topetzes is a senior in political science and criminology. Send all comments to [email protected].

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