In Wednesday’s edition of The Post, we published a story analyzing how safe students feel on campus, as well as a “Post Streetview” featuring additional student comments on the subject.
Some Ohio University students said they felt safe on campus, and others said they are wary of walking alone at night. Some carry pepper spray for protection, and others try to avoid dimly lit areas.
It’s important to note that no crime is the survivor’s fault, and no environment is ever going to be entirely immune to crime. That’s the case no matter how safe students feel on campus, and no matter how many measures the university takes to ensure its grounds is safe.
Two sexual offenses reported to OUPD this semester and sent out as a campus crime alert occurred in well-lit areas. The first occurred in broad daylight on South Green, and the second happened on Jeff Hill. Other sexual offenses that occurred on prominent areas of campus were reported during Fall Semester as well.
Reader Madison Koenig rightly pointed this out on Twitter yesterday: “I always thought Jeff & Morton Hills & College Green were safe, well-lit areas, but assaults still happened there. We're not safe on campus.” (Her letter to the editor about National Stalking Awareness Month is featured here.
A Facebook commenter, Debbie Rudy-Lack, said that it’s “so sad that women can't feel safe on their campus. I've strongly encouraged my daughter NOT to walk alone on campus at night.”
Look out for each other, Bobcats, and report any suspicious activity to OUPD at 740-593-1911.
Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors.
