Colleges Revisit Safety Issues in Wake of Torture/Murder of Kentucky Coed

Louisville, KY, Courier-Journal ^ | 05-26-03 | Pitsch, Mark

[Theodore R.]

By MARK PITSCH mpitsch@courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal Many of Kentucky's colleges and universities are re-examining their campus safety measures after the fatal attack on a Western Kentucky University freshman in her dorm room earlier this month.

University officials around the state are looking at issues ranging from what kind of key access students have to dormitories, to video surveillance, to requiring identification for visitors.

[Theodore R.]

At one time, there was a monitor in all women's dormitories, and access was closed to males, except for fathers or dates, which waited in the lobby while the young woman was contacted that she had a guest. Feminists objected to such precautions as "sexist." Now KY and the nation pay the price for its lack of realism in monitoring college students.

[SLB]

My daughter attends Georgetown College. Two years ago a male broke into a girls room and was wiating when she returned. Luckily the girl was a member of the basketball team and could overpower him. He escaped and she chased him down and waited for help. My daughter now has a "little" surprise waiting for anyone who might happen to break into her room.

[Theodore R.]

"We have to walk that fine line of (being) safe (and) secure but a place where young people still have their individuality and their freedom as young adults on a college campus,"

Individuality and freedom = Diversity in today's higher education.

[Theodore R.]

Is this the Baptist school in Georgetown, KY? KY has a lot of small colleges for a state its size.

[SLB]

Is this the Baptist school in Georgetown, KY?

Is there any other Georgetown? There is Georgetown College here in KY and then I hear there is a Georgetown University located somewhere on the East Coast.

[toddst]

"We have to walk that fine line of (being) safe (and) secure but a place where young people still have their individuality and their freedom as young adults on a college campus,". . .

I wasn't going to respond to this, but changed my mind. Interesting we can arm and train 18-year-old men and women for combat but not allow college freshmen to complete training and carry a concealed weapon for personal protection.

Provide co-eds the option of arming themselves and watch the incidence of rape on campuses drop like a rock.

[Gritty]

At one time, there was a monitor in all women's dormitories, and access was closed to males, except for fathers or dates, which waited in the lobby...

You got that right, and there were very few problems. Why? Because any man in the dorm would be immediately spotted. With co-ed dorms, it requires much more security as men are wandering around as a matter of course, so it is no big deal.

We haven't "improved" by having co-ed dorms. We have taken huge steps backwards and put the young women at risk!

[jocon307]

"My daughter now has a "little" surprise waiting for anyone who might happen to break into her room."

Yes , but in the case you cite, the perp was in the room first, the "surprise" could backfire in that situation

[americanSoul]

This is so very true. The mainstream media never reports on the number of lives saved every day by having a concealed weapon available. 98% of the time, just showing the weapon is enough to dissuade the assailant.
There is an abundance of research backing this up - refer to John Lott's pioneering efforts - his "More Guns Less Crime"

[CatoRenasci]

I hear there is a Georgetown University located somewhere on the East Coast.

LOL! I'm sure Bill Clinton's alma mater, and one of the two premier Catholic universities in America will be glad you've 'heard' they're out there, somewhere East of the Appalachians....

[toddst]

. . . lives saved every day by having a concealed weapon available."

10-4. I know this well, plus have many stories from women who decide to arm themselves. I'm a certified CCW instructor in Kentucky. We also offer a basic personal defense course for those with CCW and a desire to know more about responding to a serious threat. Many accounts of encounters from this group.