A tragedy has shaken our community in the cruelest way. IU has lost one of its Hoosiers — 22-year-old Hannah Wilson. Her unfortunate and untimely death has left us stunned, and many questions have yet to be answered. Hannah was a senior psychology major and a prominent member of her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. In the wake of her death, a vigil was held at Alumni Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union.
We at the Editorial Board mourn the death of one of our own. During a time of celebration, we are met with an irreparable loss. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Hannah’s family, friends and sorority sisters.
But this tragedy calls into question our methods of safety practice. We in no way condone victim blaming, or believe that the events of Hannah’s death were avoidable by her actions.
We also have nothing to add to speculation and rumors. But as fellow Hoosiers we want to convey our ?concerns for the safety of our peers.
Too often, Little 500 week is used as an excuse to drop our guards and dive into the moment because that’s what we’re supposed to do. We do things we normally wouldn’t because everyone is just trying to have a good time. But this leaves us vulnerable to those who wish to harm us. We want Hoosiers to make a pledge to break that cycle.
When we’re young, we have a feeling of invincibility. We carry it with us to parties, bars and hangouts like a cloak that does little to cover us.
Nothing can touch us.
We hear about stories of kidnappings and murders through the dramatization of news. Hushed whispers carry from person to person about things we’ve heard happen to our friends, but never ourselves. They come across as scary campfire stories rather than cautionary tales of how we should ?stay safe.
We take the risk of walking home alone because it’s just not going to happen to us. But the reality is, it can. Let us take this weekend as not only a wake-up call but a reminder to relinquish our overconfidence in taking care ?of ourselves.
The buddy system is a must. Make a promise to your friends and yourself not to walk home, take a car or leave somewhere alone.
Being a bystander only contributes to the situation. Even if you have the slightest feeling that something is wrong, speak up.
Don’t accept drinks you didn’t see being made and don’t leave ?beverages unattended.
If someone is making you uncomfortable, it’s OK not to be polite. Your safety is more important than someone else’s feelings.
Let us not forget about the Indiana Lifeline law and how it was created to help those who feel dissuaded from calling for help.
There’s still so much we don’t know about Hannah’s case and we can only hope it will be the last to hit our home. But in times like these, Hoosiers need to help Hoosiers and keep each ?other safe.
Learning and healing from this tragedy is the best way we can ?move forward.
