Although the University Police have not decided whether to have police on hand at the Board of Regents meeting today, they are aware of the potential problems which might develop because of protesting students.

UP Capt. James Webster said the UPs are “considering” having security available at the meeting. However, he said they do not want the protestors to know the UPs’ plans.

The Student Committee On Political Action is rallying and protesting before and at the meeting against three major issues: the firing of CHANCE program counselor Martha Palmer, the paid leave of absence for former NIU president Clyde Wingfield and possible tuition increases.

Webster said university officers would be called into the meeting if Regents Chairman Carol Burns decided that the protestors were becoming disruptive.

“It’s her call, officers wouldn’t move in until she said ‘that’s enough,'” he said.

SCOPA Co-Chairman Fritz Fiebig said the rally “could get bad” if the Regents do not listen to the protestors.

NIU Student Regent Nick Valadez said he did not know whether statements made by protestors would interrupt the meeting.

“I appreciate their support, concern and interest on social issues—in that respect we need people. But I’m not sure their methods are (more) productive than others. I hope they are,” Valadez said.

Webster said the police could arrest protestors if they fail to comply with warnings from an agent of the university.

He said that if arrested, protestors could be charged with disorderly conduct or criminal trespass to a state-supported property, which are both classified as Class A misdemeanors.

If found guilty of these charges, a person could receive a maximum penalty of up to one year in the county jail, or face fines up to a maximum of $1,000, Webster said.

However, he said first-time offenders probably would receive court supervision.