Western, students working with community to respond to riot

In the aftermath of the Oct. 12 riot in Laurel Park, many people both on Western Washington University's campus and in the community have asked how this could have happened and what can be done to make sure it doesn't happen again.

As shocked as we were by this incident - because it is so very out of character for the community we know and love - we have been heartened by the overwhelming response from our students, condemning this behavior and standing up to say it does not represent them. Western students, faculty, staff, alumni and many other supporters - now over 3,000 - have signed an online petition deploring the violence near campus and reaffirming their support for Western's true values.