Davis rave set for Monday

If there’s one steadfast rule that all libraries hold above everything else, it is silence.

But on Monday night, in the middle of the most stressful time of year, thousands of students are estimated to shatter that rule for a 10-minute dance extravaganza in the lobby of Davis Library that has grown into a semi-annual tradition on campus.

As of Monday night, more than 4,700 students were listed on Facebook as attending the Davis Flash Rave, an event that has raised eyebrows for its unconventional nature and the questions it poses for student safety.

Campus Fire Marshal Billy Mitchell said the event poses some safety concerns but has not been problematic in the past.

“That’s a lot of people to have on one floor,” he said. “It’s kind of a funny thing. I talked to the library staff about this, and they didn’t see it as a big deal.”

Randy Young, spokesman for the UNC Department of Public Safety, said campus police have monitored the event in the past without any problems.

“We’ll monitor the situation and act appropriately if and when there’s threat to damage of property or threat to personal safety,” he said. “We’ll have a police presence there, so we certainly hope everyone behaves civilly and watches out for the safety of those around them.”

Judy Panitch, director of library communications, said students have exhibited caution in the past.

“This is a very large crowd, and we’ve been very appreciative about how responsible the students have been in the past in terms of everyone’s safety,” she said.

Past raves have only lasted about 10 minutes. But Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Winston Crisp said the event can be dangerous because Davis Library is not suited for activities such as raves. He said students leaning over railings and crowd surfing are particular causes for concern.

“It wouldn’t take much to turn a really fun, really neat event into a tragedy,” he said. But Crisp said he has been proud of the students’ behavior have at these events.

“Our students have done exactly what they meant to do,” he said “We’re really proud of that, and we appreciate that.”

Crisp said because the event is somewhat spontaneous, there’s no way to stop it. The best thing he said administrators can do is help ensure students’ safety.

Panitch said she agreed safety is at the forefront of events like the library rave.

“I know this is done in the spirit of fun and enjoyment, and we want to make sure that’s what happens,” she said.



Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.