Trees on the north side of Albert Lea High School were littered with toilet paper on Labor Day, part of a longtime student tradition

It is not a school activity, but the tradition has been tolerated.

The TP’ing has happened in Albert Lea since the school was downtown. In the 20th century, it was Central Park, across from the school’s former campus, that got the toilet-paper decoration.

“The TP’ing of the high school grounds is not a school-authorized event when the school year gets started,” said ALHS Principal Al Root. “It happens at night usually the weekend or evening of Labor Day. For many years students — mostly seniors I believe — have done this as a senior class/school spirit issue at ALHS.”

Root said on Tuesday, the first day of school, students volunteered to assist with the cleanup. He said even though there remains toilet paper out of reach in the trees, the worst of the mess has been picked up. The cleanup continues over several days, he said.

TP’ing also takes place during Homecoming Week.

“During Homecoming and at the end of the school year, staff employees with assistance from the Police Department assist in monitoring this activity,” he said.

He said the school has discouraged the less-innocent vandalism. Spray-painting of Tiger paws led to other language and symbols.

Albert Lea Police Department Lt. J.D. Carlson confirmed the TP’ing occurred late Monday night.

He said it is his understanding that the school tolerates the toilet-papering but the vandalism is seen as criminal damage. He said he understands painted posters of Tiger paws are an alternative.