We sent The South Texan Reporter Kelby Sprinkles into the field to ask students, faculty and staff at Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) if they felt safe on campus. These are their responses.
Name: Julia Castillo
Major: Social Work
“Yeah, for sure. I have never heard of anything happening. I think the buildings are secure. I am a Freshman, and since I have gotten here I feel fine.”
Name: Selena Quintanilla
Major: Psychology
“No. I work on campus, and when we get out around 9:30 p.m. the Red parking lot is completely dark. Sam Fore Hall and the art building are also dark. There is a lack of lighting on our campus. Even when we have festivals, it is still dark on campus. It could be improved.”
Name: Alberto Oliveira III
Major: Criminal Justice
“Yes, it is my first semester and I have not noticed anything suspicious. I have been walking around campus, and I have not noticed any people or students who have been acting over-wild.”
Name: Tillie Guerrero
Position: Librarian Assistant
“Yes, I do for the most part. I am not going to lie being able to carry weapons on campus is a little scary. I have not seen that much around. I would want to be around someone trained if, God forbid, something were to happen.”
Name: Robert Eledu
Major: Mechanical Engineering
“Yes, I feel pretty safe because of UPD. Their presence on campus, like when they drive around, makes me feel safe.”
Name: Fabian Navarro
Major: Computer Science Engineering
“Yes, I do feel safe around campus. I see a lot of cops around. Especially in Kingsville, we have Border Patrol cops, Kingsville cops, and campus cops. There are a lot of apps on our phones that we can use to contact them.”
Photos By Kelby Sprinkles