I have found myself asking the same question a lot this year: What would I do if I experienced an attack on campus?
It’s a good question to ask in lieu of the attack at Ohio State University that happened earlier this week as well as the multiple incidences at CU earlier in the year. Attacks happen on college campuses all the time, so who’s to say that it won’t happen at CSU? We already had a couple scares last year, (remember the guy with the machete at the library?) so who’s to say it won’t happen again on a larger scale?
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Of course the media has already been blowing up begging a plethora of questions: should campuses increase security? Should Ohio State have reacted differently? It’s a textbook media response. We don’t want to have to deal with the violence of campus attacks so we feel the need to come up with solutions.
There is no solution other than to keep carrying on like normal.
At CSU, the only thing to fear when it comes to campus attacks is fear itself. Anybody of any religion, race, gender and age can commit violent crimes. No matter how much we amp up security, change gun laws or educate students, there will still be violent people in this world who will find a way to carry out their attacks. CSU has excellent security and the means to stop an on campus attack if necessary, and has done so in the past. We need to lean on that comfort and understand that we are not alone.
Instead of being frightened by the media’s fear tactics or allowing the fear of an on-campus attack consume you, realize that everything that can be done is being done. No good will come from fearing something that may or may not happen. We need to learn from the violence committed by others to promote peace, but acting out of fear for the unknown does more harm than good.
We at CSU have great dorm security, on-campus law enforcement, emergency call boxes, and an excellent public safety system. We are lucky that our safety is such a high priority. Yes, recent events should raise awareness, but not effect our community.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times, but don’t let fear influence your life. We go to an excellent university that cares for our well-being and instead of fearing the unknown, we should take comfort in the protection we have.
So how should we proceed after the attack at Ohio State? Just like any other day.
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