Though most Ohio University students feel safe in the residence halls, incidents, such as a recent assault in Bromley, still occur, reminding students they should not let down their guard. According to a Jan. 11 article in The Post, a woman was sexually assaulted in Bromley Hall. OU Police Department's Lt. Rich Russell said OU sophomore Daniel Unger was arrested on a charge of abduction for his role in restraining the female, and sophomore Stephen Spalding was charged with gross sexual imposition for touching her while she was being restrained, according to the article. Charges against both men have been moved to Athens County Common Pleas Court and likely will be heard by a grand jury Feb. 14. Russell said that in 2004, there were seven rapes reported in the dorms, all of which were between acquaintances, and one forcible fondling. Joe Burke, residence life director, said community life assessment surveys, which are issued to all residents, consistently show that 97 percent of students agree or strongly agree with the statement I feel safe in my residence hall. Though Burke said OU's campus is generally a safe environment, he still advises students to lock their doors. Most students do not lock their doors when they go to bed at night, and when incidents do happen, it usually involves someone wandering into an unlocked room, he said. I never really thought about it
said Kristen Vitarius, a Boyd resident. Everyone leaves their doors open. They probably wouldn't if there was anything to worry about. Barb Harrison, residence life associate director, said the staff does what it can to make sure residence halls are secure. Each year, the department offers students educational programs to inform them about campus safety. Kerra Conley, a Fenzel resident, said she feels pretty safe in the residence halls. I always lock my door. My friends have found a lot of weirdos on Thefacebook so I try to be safe she said.
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by Brittany Bauccio
Residents still 'feel safe' in halls
