The night of April 2-3 has been a frequent topic for The State News Editorial Board. For nearly eight months, we have been discussing the disturbances and the independent commission formed to investigate them. We've decided, because we've done just about as much investigation as they have, to release our own recommendations.

One of the commission's recommendations involves restricting alcohol sales in the city under special circumstances.

The idea is ridiculous. It simply won't work.

If there is one thing the city should know by now, it's that if students want to drink, there is very little anyone can do to stop them.

A five-minute drive out of East Lansing won't deter students from picking up a keg or a case of beer.

Restricting the sale of alcohol in bars would be just as ineffective. It would only hurt the bars because of the significant loss of revenue it would likely cause. It would also force people to drive out of the city, which could lead to more drunken driving.

The other problem is psychological. Students don't like to be told what they can and can't do. Trying only adds to the resentment many already feel toward the city. Unfortunately, a little anger in the back of everyone's mind can turn into a big problem when all those people come together in a large crowd.

The recommendation to restrict alcohol won't work. So, here are some recommendations of our own.

• A celebratory event could be a success if it is planned properly with lots of student input.

• Police should have a presence on potential "riot" nights. However, they should focus on the few people who are actually causing trouble and not everyone else who's there.

• Police have to be easily identified. Being an anonymous individual in a large crowd is just as dangerous for police as it's for citizens.

• When allegations of police misbehavior are brought forward, they need to be seriously investigated by the city, police department and, hopefully, an outside party.

• Different departments that come together in preparation for an event need to be better organized. They should all be operating under the same person and rules.

Last year about 10,000-15,000 people took to the streets at the University of Illinois following the NCAA Tournament. Only 11 were arrested, and tear gas was not used. A similar celebration occurred at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In contrast, when more than 3,000 people crowded the streets of East Lansing after the loss of MSU to North Carolina in the Final Four, 43 arrests were made and police released nearly 300 tear-gas canisters.

Something is missing here. Are students in East Lansing different from those at other universities?

No.

Some students leave their homes just to see if something is going to happen — most have no intention of causing trouble. At the same time, police watch crowds gather and believe something is going to happen and take action.

It's true a large crowd's mood can shift quickly, but firing tear gas can turn a celebrating crowd into an angry mob.

We've spent more than eight months thinking about the disturbances, like the independent commission. We're just as qualified to recommend suggestions.

Hopefully, the city will take our word over the commission's.