Two students arrested following brawl

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY >> Two Lincoln University students have been arrested in connection with a brawl that broke out Friday, Nov. 9, and 15 students were hospitalized, according to campus police.

The students were waiting in line for a dance that was to take place inside the Student Union Center at 10:30 p.m..

Johnny Whitehead, director of public safety at Lincoln University said one of his officers was trying to arrest one student who had become disorderly, and while he was trying to make the arrest, another student tried to hit the officer.

“That led to a skirmish and the decision was made to deploy pepper spray to get things under control,” Whitehead said. “A lot of people became exposed (to the pepper spray).”

There were about 1,000 students in attendance

Students affected were transported to Jennersville and Chester County hospitals for treatment. All students have been released from the hospital. There were no major injuries to officers or other injuries to students.

Whitehead said the students arrested face disorderly conduct charges. Order was restored and the party ended early. The 1,800-student University requested and received additional law enforcement support from surrounding jurisdictions.

Lincoln University President Brenda A. Allen has cancelled all future parties, pending review of procedures, and has pledged to bring students and administrators together to address concerns and develop procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.