2008 Woodie Awards
Safety issues deserve second thought
Editorial staff
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
On-campus security issues continue to arise and, without beating the proverbial dead horse, it seems that it is time to do something about that.
Despite a handful of armed robberies and one very publicized assault last year, UST still does not have a full-time armed officer patrolling 24 hours a day, and security staff still do not appear to take safety concerns as seriously as some might hope.
After a professor was robbed of her wallet and purse in her office last week, more questions were raised by UST faculty and students regarding the safety of the UST neighborhood.
As an institution of higher learning, UST has a responsibility to hold the safety of its students as a matter of high regard. While the security department should be commended for its recent efforts in bringing an armed officer on campus, part-time, and providing additional lighting and blue-light telephones, more could still be done.
Cost should certainly be a factor when safety issues are concerned, but it should not be the primary concern. However, perhaps it is also time that community members accept that personal safety also depends on the individual.
Clearly, we must each take special care on and around campus. In a neighborhood with a high crime rate, we must be aware of our surroundings and take the obvious precautions.
Several local martial arts studios offer self-defense courses, some especially tailored to women. Investing in learning how to defend oneself could make a difference if a student or faculty member encounters a dangerous situation.
Additionally, basic safety protocol should always be on campus. Community members should avoid traveling at night and travel in pairs or groups whenever possible. Recent efforts have been made to provide more campus lighting, and when walking after dark, students should stay in well-lighted areas if possible. The security department also offers escorts, day or night, who should be utilized whenever needed. Purchasing a parking pass to avoid dimly lit street parking can also help keep students out of potentially dangerous situations.
The University owes a duty to its students, faculty and staff to keep them safe to the best of its ability, but we can also protect ourselves by being smart and aware.
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Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the Cauldron editorial staff. All other columns and opinion pieces represent solely the opinion of the author.
Despite a handful of armed robberies and one very publicized assault last year, UST still does not have a full-time armed officer patrolling 24 hours a day, and security staff still do not appear to take safety concerns as seriously as some might hope.
After a professor was robbed of her wallet and purse in her office last week, more questions were raised by UST faculty and students regarding the safety of the UST neighborhood.
As an institution of higher learning, UST has a responsibility to hold the safety of its students as a matter of high regard. While the security department should be commended for its recent efforts in bringing an armed officer on campus, part-time, and providing additional lighting and blue-light telephones, more could still be done.
Cost should certainly be a factor when safety issues are concerned, but it should not be the primary concern. However, perhaps it is also time that community members accept that personal safety also depends on the individual.
Clearly, we must each take special care on and around campus. In a neighborhood with a high crime rate, we must be aware of our surroundings and take the obvious precautions.
Several local martial arts studios offer self-defense courses, some especially tailored to women. Investing in learning how to defend oneself could make a difference if a student or faculty member encounters a dangerous situation.
Additionally, basic safety protocol should always be on campus. Community members should avoid traveling at night and travel in pairs or groups whenever possible. Recent efforts have been made to provide more campus lighting, and when walking after dark, students should stay in well-lighted areas if possible. The security department also offers escorts, day or night, who should be utilized whenever needed. Purchasing a parking pass to avoid dimly lit street parking can also help keep students out of potentially dangerous situations.
The University owes a duty to its students, faculty and staff to keep them safe to the best of its ability, but we can also protect ourselves by being smart and aware.
-----------------------------------------------------
Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the Cauldron editorial staff. All other columns and opinion pieces represent solely the opinion of the author.