UND Students Take Fire At President Kelley

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A group of UND students made a scene with their “Fire Kelley” poster at this weekend’s UND hockey game. The large poster was on display in the upper bowl of the student section at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

It’s a bold statement to say fire the president of a university…but one UND student says it’s an even bolder statement when he may not be fully at fault.

Ana-Alicia Villanuezza says, “I think it’s a complicated topic. I think there’s a lot of frustration built up maybe misdirected at him.”

There’s been a few changes around campus recently that some students say bring an ill vibe to the man in charge.

The UND student adds, “The Sioux name…that’s a big one. Spring fest. A lot of people are angry and I don’t think they know where to focus it and he’s kind of just a figure head.”

During a UND – St. Cloud State hockey game, students put the poster on display. Security confiscated it for not complying with a poster and banner policy.

Jody Hodgson says, “Our policy prohibits signs that are derogatory or political in nature and we thought it checked both of those boxes.”

Both security and the students now agree they had a miscommunication about having to leave.

The REA General Manager adds, “When the students were allowed to leave the security office, our guys thought they were going back out to the arena. Students actually left the building.”

The students didn’t put the sign on display until the third period leading some to believe they cared more about the game than message the banned portrayed.

Villanuezza says, “They just probably wanted to make a statement and where better to make a statement then the Ralph? The end of the big game.

The university has no comment on this matter as the Ralph Engelstad Arena is a privately operated venue but no disciplinary measures will be taken against the UND students.