I was appalled after reading the editorial entitled 'Security dilemma' (April 11, The Post, and April Insider).
I understand that the security policies concerning a student's right to free access of academic resources or buildings where facilities are located for courses requiring extra work outside of class need not to be modified. However, I believe the sweeping generality that the actions of a minority of felons should never lead to the deprivation of rights for the majority of people
is grossly misleading.
What about a student's right to access these areas without fear of personal harm? What about a student's right to study or work in a safe environment? I understand that the truth of the matter is we live in a violent world and that the possibility of violent attacks can be committed anywhere we go.
Case in point: The rape in Grover Center. Your assumption that this incident is a first-time rape in an academic facility is just that, an assumption. I will give you that it may indeed be the first reported rape in an academic facility, but I find it hard to believe that in the world in which we live and the number of years that have passed since Ohio University opened that this is the only incident of its kind. So how many of these so-called exceptional incidents have to occur before we try and do something about it. Ten? Twenty? Or until this kind of incident happens to the right individual with the power to pull some strings?
As a graduate student, I understand the need for extra hours outside of class or late nights working in a lab or studio. I also understand the dangers associated with these activities.
It is stated in the article that many students often are there late at night referring to the studio in Grover Center. If one acknowledges that these extra hours and access to buildings are necessary, then why not modify security to patrol these buildings more frequently during the later hours? Why not make the most of this opportunity and review the current security policies for fallacies or inefficiencies? Something needs to be done to insure the safety of not only the women of this campus, but each individual student, staff or faculty member. Apathy towards this issue can only lead to bigger problems in the future. It is time to take action now.
-Alyssa Thomas is a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Send her an e-mail at at137999@ohiou.edu.
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