UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A Penn State alumna has started a petition after the university "reorganized" the Penn State Outing Club, barring it from partaking in outdoor activities.
The petition started by alumna Julie Mastrine has garnered more than 3,600 signatures.
"I am a Penn State alumna, and I hiked in the woods countless times when I lived there. Studies show that preventing young people from taking risks stunts their emotional growth, prevents them from developing identities and independence, and hurts their ability to develop resilience and handle real danger," reads the petition.
Last week, the university announced that the Outing Club was no longer allowed to partake in outdoor activities, such as hiking and kayaking, deeming those activities "too risky."
Many members of the club, which was established in 1920, were taken back by the university's decision.
Two other clubs, the Mounty Divers Scuba Club and Nittany Grotto Club, were also "reorganized" after being deemed too high risk.
In a statement, the Nittany Divers said the club is still recognized by the university and will run regular meetings next year.
"The Nittany Divers will no longer organize any underwater activities. Instead, the Club will encourage all members to participate in the numerous trip opportunities Penn State’s Outdoor Adventures program will be offering beginning in Fall 2018," read a portion of the statement.
ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfpbKvuoysq5qslWKurcHMp5hmq6SWv7W%2FjKmcraGknryvecCfq56qXaTCtbXNoGScpKWXeqOt0aucnWWWp7yuec6uq52nn6d6oq%2FToq2irJmawA%3D%3D