Amid the new university-sanctioned model for this year’s SantaCon, most of the student conversation on Fizz has centered on students boycotting the event in favor of “packing” Lantern Point.

A Fizz poll posted on Monday, minutes before the ticket window opened, showed 57% of students who answered the question said they were not planning to buy a ticket for SantaCon, while almost two of every ten students said they were going to attend the beach party on Dec. 6.

While university officials are aware of the possibility of students hosting counter-events around Lantern Point, they warn students against taking the risk.

“There’s a new police chief, there’s a new selectperson,” a university spokesperson said. “I would say that students run the risk of disciplinary actions by the Town of Fairfield for hosting and or committing any infractions.”

Similar messaging was also shared with students on Friday, when the Office of Student Engagement announced the event, emphasizing that Lantern Point “will not be accessible and will be actively monitored by police.” The email also claimed that the Fairfield Police Department has “requested” statewide aid from all police departments, including State Police. 

However, in response to a request from The Mirror about a possible deployment of state troopers to Fairfield on Dec. 6, the Connecticut State Police said their “office has not been made aware of this at this time.”

Fairfield University’s Department of Public Safety will be present at the university’s event. Fairfield PD Chief Michael Paris said, in a statement shared by the university to The Mirror, that the department will have a “large, visible presence” throughout the beach and downtown areas to ensure the safety and security of the community. 

Paris, who was appointed over the summer as the town’s police chief, also stated that “multiple law enforcement agencies,” including the State’s Attorney’s Office, will be assisting in the public safety and enforcement operation.

“Our message is simple: If you come to Fairfield to break the law or disrupt this community, you will be held accountable,” the police chief said. “Any violations of law or town ordinances, including alcohol-related offenses, disorderly conduct, trespassing or public disturbances, whether within the event or elsewhere, will be met with immediate enforcement.”