An email was sent Tuesday to various registered student organizations on campus informing them the operation of late night dances at the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union have been suspended.

The email, sent by Dan Nadler, the vice president of student affairs, was a result of Saturday’s “Barn Party” shooting.

“In light of the recent ‘Barn Party’ incident last weekend, I have consulted with numerous individuals who have expressed to me concerns about hosting late night dances in which large audiences are anticipated,” the email stated.

Nadler did not return multiple phone calls and an email to comment further on his decision or to confirm which RSOs had received the email.

Nadler went on to state the reason for the suspension is because the “Barn Party” incident is an on-going criminal investigation and no arrest has been made of the responsible individual or individuals.

He also said in the email he will be asking a small working group of individuals to propose to him, as soon as possible, a list of recommendations to enhance the safety and security of individuals attending parties at the Union.

“Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our students,” Nadler continued in the email. “I fully realize that suspending union parties may be difficult for some individuals and organizations to accept. I also understand and appreciate the importance of having safe social events, especially for our students of color.”

He concluded the email by stating he wants to move through this process as quickly as possible, and Eastern will work with students in an attempt to reschedule as many late night dances.

“This is by no means an easy decision,” he stated at the end of the email. “Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”

Janai Cooks, a sophomore family and consumer sciences major, said even though she does not attend parties at the Union, she still disagreed with the decision.

“It feels like we’re being quarantined,” she said.

Cooks said she had not heard of anybody else’s parties being stopped.

“It’s mostly for black students,” Cooks said.

She said she anticipated getting weird looks from the rest of the Eastern community throughout the next several weeks.

“It’s discomforting,” she said. “The way people talk now, it’s like we’re being generalized.”

She said this situation was much like last year during the Penalty Box shooting.

“It’s definitely going to be a rough patch,” Cooks said.

Bob Galuski can be reached at 581-2812 or rggaluski@eiu.edu.