I hope, OUPD and university authorities will come to their senses and decide to drop charges against graduate student Patrick Hanlin for the unfortunate, highly unusual bomb scare situation that occurred last week.
Yes, we do live in an age of terrorism and it is perhaps best to err on the safe side when suspicious situations crop up. I am not entirely certain how suspicious this situation was, because, to the best of my knowledge most bombers do not plainly advertise their bombs! Regardless, the officer acted in his best judgment and took steps to ensure campus safety.
Nonetheless, at this point, is there really any benefit to pursuing charges against Hanlin? I know Pat personally and know that he is firmly committed to the welfare of the university and its students. He works with students on a daily basis in his Graduate Assistant position and always goes the extra mile to help people out. Just as one example, Pat has been firmly committed to the fight against sexual assault. He even organized a cross-country walk to raise awareness a few years ago.
The bomb scare situation was an unfortunate event. Pat has suffered negative fallout, and his bike was destroyed by the bomb squad. In the coming months, I would like to see OUPD and university resources focused on problems on this campus like violence, drunken behavior and sexual assault rather than making an example out of a graduate student who made an honest mistake - one with no ill intent.
-Scott Koebel is a graduate student majoring in counselor education
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Letter to the Editor
