N.H. targets campus riots

CONCORD, N.H. -- A Plymouth mother recalled standing in her nightgown as hundreds of college students -- yelling obscenities and spraying beer -- poured onto her street and started a bonfire.

The students took fences, picnic tables, and even clapboards from homes to feed the fire, Patrice Scott said, speaking in favor of stiffer penalties against rioting.

Scott supported a proposal before the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday that would make it a felony to throw an object at a police officer during a riot.

Durham legislators sponsored the bill after riots last year at the University of New Hampshire. The disturbances followed a Red Sox playoff loss in October and losses in April by the UNH hockey team. The bonfire in Plymouth also followed a Red Sox game.

The bill is one of several proposed to address rioting near campuses. Two House bills would make it easier to expel students involved in rioting.