Since 2001, a temporary injunction has prohibited not only Lantern Point’s notorious Clam Jam but also parties consisting of more than 250 people.
Nonetheless some students decided to assemble for the “Keg Races” and the “Forgotten Path” parties during the past two weekends.
Since the temporary injunction was issued, the Fairfield Police Department has reported there have been incidents where small numbers of students became intoxicated and disruptive, according to First Selectman Kenneth A. Flatto.
But some Fairfield students say there were not just small numbers of students at the Point for the parties.
Some estimated there were hundreds of students around the greater beach area throughout the day.
According to an attorney for beach residents, Joel Z. Green, he has heard from a variety of people in the beach community about the weekends’ events and is still in the process of compiling and reviewing the information.
The temporary injunction against Clam Jam and other large parties states: “The court has heard the plaintiffs and other witnesses describe the noise level and the level and frequency of intoxication evident in students who wander off Lantern Point property, stumbling, falling, carrying each other, urinating and vomiting upon the properties of the plaintiffs.”
According to Green, the problems have not completely abated.
“Unfortunately, there are still a few people who don’t understand or don’t seem to care about the impact of their actions on the entire beach community… I think that it’s a shame particularly for those students who do not understand the true consequences of these acts,” said Green.
The temporary injunction is still in effect while the plaintiffs are ready with a great deal of evidence to present to the court in order to obtain a permanent injunction.
“Regrettably, it is clear that there are those in the university community who haven’t recognized that events such as those which occurred this past weekend and which may occur over the next few weeks may tend to show that more restrictive measures may indeed be necessary in the permanent order,” said Green.
But Green also noted that the effectiveness of the temporary injunction would “certainly” be considered in the courts to create a permanent order. Although events are attracting over 250 people, they are not attracting 4000 like they used to.
Flatto agreed that the situation has improved since the temporary injunction was issued.
“For the most part, student activities and behavior have been more positive and better controlled,” said Flatto. “I believe FUSA’s efforts to bring more social activities on campus have been a major factor in improving the social activities at the university.”
Students are advised to attend events organized by the university this weekend, including Spam Jam and May Day.
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