I will begin by stating I am well aware of my physical appearance, and understand it plays a factor in my argument.
I am not a frill 4’11 helpless girl, I’m 5’5 and would never describe myself as skinny.
This does decrease my chances of being assaulted or abducted on campus, but it does not eliminate them.
Our Student Government Association and TAMUK are planning to add more streetlamps and hopefully some with brighter lights, but until then what precautions are being taken?
Our University Police Department has plenty of resources, yet I have NEVER seen officers patrolling the area where I walk.
There have been times in which another female and I are walking in the same direction and decided to walk to the parking lot together, despite being complete strangers.
What would’ve happened if either one of us were being forced into another’s vehicle?
There are so many hypotheticals that could play out from that interaction, but still the most important question still remains – Why is our university reactive rather than proactive?
Our university should not be a sitting duck.Plenty of students walk through the outside buildings of the School of Music, Manning Hall, Sam Fore Hall and the Ben Bailey Art Building.
We should have more surveillance in these poorly lit areas, as the individuals in these buildings are usually the students that stay past 8 p.m.
I understand we do have our Safezone app, but it takes an officer 10 to 15 minutes to drive to Manning Hall when any of our editors call them to open the doors. The app is also designed and appears as an emergency-only option.
It is disappointing to see a university with such potential, holding themselves back.
President Vela is trying his best to improve our university, but students must hold TAMUK accountable and demand the best environment.