Bring a buddy to the bar

This week, our idyllic enclave, which we so often take for granted, was shattered, by the report of an on campus acquaintance rape on Sept. 11. Walking through our beautiful campus, I often simply forget that unfortunately, the outside world with all of its foibles, both penetrates and permeates our University. Despite the diligence of on campus security, and the efforts throughout campus to create a safe environment, we all have to assume greater responsibility for ourselves and provide greater assistance for our friends and fellow students.\nJust as we have seen, programs such as neighborhood watch are springing up throughout our local communities, and IU needs to follow course. We all need to be vigilant, noticing the simple things that can help protect us all. Are there strange individuals lurking around semi-lit areas of the campus at night? If so, just as a good neighbor would, we should alert our on campus security. While some might simply be "false alarms," I'm sure they would rather have our participation. \nThough a woman's report of a strange conversation she overheard regarding a potential terrorist attack on Sept.13 ultimately resulted in a false alarm, the dramatic response from the authorities enforces my point that citizen participation is important for the protection of us all. \nFemales of our university community must remember their own personal safety. This includes, but is not limited to: traveling in groups or at least with another friend on campus, avoiding secluded areas or unlit sections of the campus and letting your friends know your plans. \nOur campus, while beautiful, is not an "ivory tower," that alone can protect us. The disappearance of Jill Behrman more than two years ago bombarded our community then, and continues to be a graphic and ongoing reminder that there is safety in numbers. Bring a buddy to the bar. What that really means is that we all have to participate not only in our own safety on campus, but take an active roll in everyone's safety as well. \nWe need to look out for ourselves, but not only for ourselves. We also need to, when we see a questionable situation, assist people. Who knows? It might be a great way to make a new friend, see a new part of the campus, or simply and most importantly provide that feeling of doing something for someone with no ulterior motive.