In reaction to rumors of gang violence near Syracuse University’s campus, Chief of the Syracuse Police Department Frank Fowler said that the campus is safe, and that it is unlikely for gangs to enter school grounds.

He specifically put to rest rumors of gang initiations associated with off-campus parties.

“It is simply not true,” he said at a news conference Thursday where it was announced the city of Syracuse will receive a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice toward gang prevention in the city.

Syracuse Police Department and the Department of Public Safety work closely together to see that the absolute safety of the students is ensure, Fowler said.

Said Fowler: “We work with SU, for SU, by SU. Syracuse University is safe.”