The Observer, April 8, 2005
Volume XXXVII, Issue 24
Sex & Dating: Safety
With the recent rash of campus "incidents," safety has been at the forefront of many students' minds. It has reminded us that our tendency to look at the campus as a safe bubble in urban Cleveland is misleading and at times dangerous.
As a freshman, I reveled in the freedom granted on this campus. No one cared when I came back at night, no one looked twice at students napping in the sun, and I came and went as I pleased.
My favorite part of enjoying these freedoms was how safe I felt. It is a wonderful feeling to trust in the good intentions of those around you – to be able to doze on the quad and know that I would awake with all my belongings intact; to be unafraid to sleep with my door unlocked; to walk to and from parties late at night with just one friend and still feel secure.
I was very lucky that I got through freshman year with so little trouble. So many things could have gone wrong, and recent incidents have made this all too clear.
We are fortunate that as of late no sexual assaults have been reported, but that does not mean they cannot occur. In light of recent reminders, I have made an effort to improve my awareness of my surroundings, and I encourage everyone on campus to carefully consider the points below, and perhaps take time to make a list of your own.
1. Beware of normal, everyday places you would not usually consider dangerous. Obviously a dark alley at night is its own warning, but what about a public bathrooms in the middle of the day? It is a private place, usually considered sacred, especially the ladies' room. However, a bathroom is the perfect place for an assault or robbery: it is isolated and people let down their guard (and their pants.) Always check first to see who else is in the bathroom and always, always lock the door.
2. Carry pepper spray in your hand when traveling alone or at night. This is not just for girls – assaults are committed against guys, even those who think they can take care of themselves. Look at it this way: spraying an attacker with pepper spray will only help you to subdue him. Remember, simply having some in your purse or book bag will not help you: "Excuse me Mr. Attacker, just one second while I grab my pepper spray," will not work well in this situation.
3. Report suspicious persons. Do not be afraid that security will brush it off as overreacting, and remember that when it comes to your safety, it's much better to be safe than sorry. I myself have approached security officers concerning strange persons, and they have always been very appreciative and encouraging of student input, and took immediate action.
4. Remember: there is no bubble. Although there are certainly risks from other students, the majority of assaults and muggings seem to come from persons who are not members of the university community. Our university is one that encourages students to be involved and integrated into the Cleveland culture; this is an admirable goal, but we must be careful that it does not backfire.
I am not trying to encourage a culture of fear, but one of practicality. I urge all students to be aware of their surroundings and to look out for one another. Help each other to make sure that our college experience is as free of mishaps as possible.
