Safety first

“Student reports rape near McNutt Quad”

“Two students report sexual assault during weekend”

“Sexual assault case reported on North Jordan during weekend”

“Group of Asian students attacked, robbed Sunday”

I would be worried if all of these headlines appeared within a semester. Sadly, these separate incidents occurred within just more than a month’s time.

Nobody wants to go to an unsafe school; unfortunately, that is the reputation IU is gaining.

Most students recall last year’s outrage about traffic-related injuries occurring on campus, a trend that, to some extent, has continued this year.

School officials reacted quickly, having meetings to collect ideas about improving traffic safety and installing crosswalks around campus. As we’ve seen in at least one incident this year; however, crosswalks don’t stop students from running across a street and being hit.

I would rather be in a dangerous situation that I have some control over (crossing a street) versus one I do not (being physically attacked). Our administration was very responsive when it was within students’ power to protect their own safety. I hear less about acts students can’t prevent.

After the incident where a group of Asian students were attacked and robbed, Vice President and Provost Karen Hanson e-mailed the Bloomington student body, saying that “we are committed to taking all steps necessary to keep our campus safe.”

The e-mail also mentioned a forum “to aid in the process of education and amelioration.”

It’s nice to see some action being taken, but I would imagine that those in need of education were not in attendance at that forum. Most people know better — they just choose to make bad decisions anyway.

I want real answers as to why these crimes keep happening — outdoors, no less — and how the University plans to prevent future ones from happening.

Are campus police officers doing their jobs effectively and in a matter that helps protect students from external harm?

Are we using other measures (outdoor lighting, for example) to their full effectiveness?

Juvenile connotations aside, should we more firmly encourage students to walk with a “buddy” at night?

Last year, I often saw a crowd of campus police officers in a group on 10th Street near Teter Quad. This is a very high-traffic area (in terms of both car and foot travel) and there are many lights, too. One would think that potential criminals would steer clear of this area.

IU is served by four police departments (campus, city, county and state). Rather than trying to convince people not to be racist or commit sexual assault, we should focus on more effectively using law enforcement to tackle crime.

To me, the best “amelioration” would be beefing up security around campus to send a firm message that these acts are not acceptable at IU.

I’ll admit it — these recent crimes are a little scary to me. I live a couple of blocks off campus, and my walk home offers plenty of chances for someone to hide.

When a 6-foot man is reconsidering going out for an evening jog, there’s clearly an issue.

Safety must become a larger focus at IU. Prospective students don’t generally get too upset that few of our athletic teams are fantastic and are willing to look past some of our school’s other shortcomings.

However, I know that if our abysmal safety record continues, there will be significant consequences in regards to recruitment of the best and brightest students.

I hear again and again about how our school wants to bring in as many international students as possible in order to make us a more world-oriented university. I would imagine this will become more difficult if we have another incident similar to the one a couple of weeks ago.

So, to those committing these crimes: I hope you’re happy. All the hard work that students, instructors, staff and administrators put in each and every day is being overshadowed by your selfish and stupid acts.

Unfortunately, the IU Police Department can’t fix stupid. But stupid can be prosecuted.


E-mail: biglehar@indiana.edu