I do not feel safe on this campus anymore. There have been three physical attacks on female students in the last six weeks. One of these resulted in sexual assault. What I want to know is: How is our campus addressing the issue?

I am tired of reading the crime alerts because at this point, they only induce panic instead of providing important information. They tell us to not walk alone on campus, call Campus Escort Service and sign up for the new AlertBG text message system.

When a girl gets attacked on her way to class, simply giving out prevention tips is no longer good enough. I signed up for the AlertBG system the first day it was available, and I never received a message concerning the most recent attack. Walking at night with a friend does not make me feel better. Walking on campus with others does not guarantee that whoever is committing these crimes will be caught.

While Campus Escort Service is a great asset to students traveling at night, I want to know what precautions are being taken by campus police to stop these crimes from reoccurring. I want to know if campus police are stepping-up security and patrolling the campus more than usual. I want to hear that the University is offering self-defense seminars to empower women. I do not want my friends to resort to carrying pepper spray to feel safe. And I hate hearing girls talk about their potential plans to fight back and/or get away if they were to be attacked.

Crime prevention is a two way street; students deserve to know how the University is doing their part.

– Laura Wurns Junior, Social Work