Are we really that safe on campus?
Quincy Booker
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Opinion
Before starting classes here at the University of Detroit Mercy, I'm sure many of you said something to your parents along the lines of "Don't worry, I'm going to be fine. This school is perfectly safe."
But, in light of recent events, one has to pose the question: How safe are students really? Before you read any more of this article, I would like you to know that my goal is not to scare you or intimidate you, but to enlighten you.
Just last week, a female student was attacked near North Quad when an unarmed assailant attempted to take the students backpack.
Realizing that it was not one of her friends, she screamed and fled to her dormitory. The would-be robber ran to avoid being caught. The young lady was not harmed in any way, but the experience still shook her.
Now, at this point, you might be asking, how did he even get onto campus in the first place? Shouldn't the guards and police at this school have spotted and apprehended him?
In my experience at this university, I've found that it's extremely easy to get onto campus away from the watchful eyes of the UDM police.
Before the weather got too cold, I often rode the bus to places in Detroit and back. Of course, the buses I took wouldn't always take me right next to the university, so I would often walk about 15 minutes back up to the campus.
As I got back, I noticed that there were two gates that were often open and through which not only I, but anybody else, could get through. This was a huge convenience for me, as I did not have to walk all the way around campus to get back to my dormitory, but it also posed a huge security risk.
Once when I entered the school from Dexter Avenue, a UDM police car rode by, not even giving me a second glance.
If I can just enter the school right under security's nose, then who else can get in?
I, for one, would like to know that not just anybody can get into this university and that everyone that does goes through the guards.
But the guards? Hah, don't get me started.
Quincy Booker is the entertainment editor of The Varsity News.
But, in light of recent events, one has to pose the question: How safe are students really? Before you read any more of this article, I would like you to know that my goal is not to scare you or intimidate you, but to enlighten you.
Just last week, a female student was attacked near North Quad when an unarmed assailant attempted to take the students backpack.
Realizing that it was not one of her friends, she screamed and fled to her dormitory. The would-be robber ran to avoid being caught. The young lady was not harmed in any way, but the experience still shook her.
Now, at this point, you might be asking, how did he even get onto campus in the first place? Shouldn't the guards and police at this school have spotted and apprehended him?
In my experience at this university, I've found that it's extremely easy to get onto campus away from the watchful eyes of the UDM police.
Before the weather got too cold, I often rode the bus to places in Detroit and back. Of course, the buses I took wouldn't always take me right next to the university, so I would often walk about 15 minutes back up to the campus.
As I got back, I noticed that there were two gates that were often open and through which not only I, but anybody else, could get through. This was a huge convenience for me, as I did not have to walk all the way around campus to get back to my dormitory, but it also posed a huge security risk.
Once when I entered the school from Dexter Avenue, a UDM police car rode by, not even giving me a second glance.
If I can just enter the school right under security's nose, then who else can get in?
I, for one, would like to know that not just anybody can get into this university and that everyone that does goes through the guards.
But the guards? Hah, don't get me started.
Quincy Booker is the entertainment editor of The Varsity News.
Be the first to comment on this story