Security stepped up for Clinton rally

The Secret Service willThe Secret Service willclose the streets nearThe Secret Service willclose the streets nearHill House tomorrow. According to Penn legend, Hill House -- formerly the University's all-female dorm -- mimicked the architectural design of a fortress to intimidate unauthorized males and deter their entry into the women's rooms. Over the next two days, Hill House will become a fortress again, this time at the hands of Secret Service agents aiming to secure the dorm before President Clinton's appearance on Hill Field tomorrow. Secret Service agents arrived Friday to check the building for any security risks and made additional checks Saturday, according to Hill residents. Agents have shown particular concern about the rooms on the north side of the dormitory. Occupants of these rooms, which overlook Hill Field, will be required to keep their windows closed on Tuesday. Classical Studies Professor Jim O'Donnell, Hill's faculty master, said occupants of north side rooms will likely be allowed to remain in their rooms during the day, though a final decision has not yet been made. In an e-mail sent to all Hill residents, O'Donnell strongly cautioned students against violating Secret Service procedure. "DON'T open windows when you are not supposed to. The Secret Service can't afford to have a sense of humor or to be casual about stuff," O'Donnell wrote. "Seriously, be cool about cooperating with them." A two-block radius around Hill Field will be closed off during the day, according to a Secret Service agent with the Presidential Security Detail, who asked not to be named. And police officers will be posted on every level of "any high ground where the candidate would be exposed," the agent said. He added that the Security Detail expects 25,000 people to attend the event. Hill House will also play host to various members of the presidential press corps, which O'Donnell said would probably disrupt normal functioning of some of Hill's facilities. The press corps will be housed in Hill's basement recreation area, while the television transmission facilities will be quartered in Hill's Board Room. Clinton's press secretary, Mike McCurry, will set up shop in the Gallery -- an area near the Hill dining room. O'Donnell warned students about extra traffic in the lower doorway and video, audio and phone wiring that will be strung inside and outside the building. Although Hill dining will be open Tuesday, O'Donnell said eating at Hill would "be an adventure." For the most part Hill students are taking the security measures in stride. According to Hill Peer Manager and College sophomore Patrick Shilling, students are excited about the president's visit, and although they are not as happy about the presence of Clinton's entourage, they certainly do not feel that they are being "invaded." Shilling, whose room faces Hill Field, said not being able to open his window to hear the speech will be annoying, but the other changes will not disrupt his regular routine. College freshman and Hill resident Curt Hackney summed up the feelings of his fellow residents. "Some people are annoyed, some people are excited, some people are Republicans," Hackney said.

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