In the wake of last Monday’s deadly shootings at Virgina Tech, many local college students are discussing campus security and the implications for their schools. In addition to holding a slew of vigils and showing support for their peers in Blacksburg, collegians wonder how such a tragedy could occur on American campuses and what university officials are doing to protect their students.
American University administrators are taking a second look at their emergency response plan, which was revised this March. In addition, student leaders support a proposal for a text messaging alert system, saying it’s a more rapid, efficient way to reach the maximum amount of students. In College Park, the University of Maryland paper challenges the administration not only to invest in equipment, but learn to use it effectively. In 2005 it took 12 hours for the university to alert students after a shooting on campus.
Howard students are coping with the realization that no campus is safe from such violence and calling attention to gaps in the school’s security, particularly broken cameras and unlocked doors in dormitories. Similarly, Georgetown’s Hoya addresses lax security at student housing, where security guards often ignore people coming into buildings without swiping ID cards.
At George Washington University, a 2004 court case involving a student’s mental health status is sparking controversy . Last year the school settled a lawsuit brought by Jordan Nott, a sophomore who voluntarily sought help at the student counseling center and, later, at GW Hospital for depression. When administrators caught wind of Nott’s allegedly suicidal thoughts, they barred him from campus housing, claiming he was endangering other students. They stated that in order for Nott to return he had to prove he’d “successfully completed medical treatment, had been symptom-free for six months and could live independently and perform successfully.” He sued the school, saying his first amendment rights were violated. Now, as some criticize Virginia Tech for failing to report and monitor Cho Seung Hui, who displayed serious mental illness to teachers, fellow students and campus authorities, GW continues to stand by its mental health withdrawal procedures.
Whatever the policy outcomes of these debates, it’s clear that a dialog needs to be opened between security experts, school administrators and students, so everyone can feel safer on campus.
Photo by Flickr user rachaelvoohees.
