STRAIGHT FROM THE SENATE
STATE OFFICIALS, CAMPUS LEADERS WORKING HARD TO IMPROVE STUDENT SAFETY
Many lessons learned from campus tragedies at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois
Officials from across the nation learned some harsh lessons in campus safety during 2007 – the most violent year on college and university campuses in the history of the U.S., with 40 students murdered on campuses nationwide. Many of these homicides occurred in massacre-type shootings at Virginia Tech in April, 2007, and Northern Illinois University in February, 2008.
The perpetrator in the Virginia Tech massacre was able to purchase firearms in violation of federal law because his disqualifying mental health records were not reported to the National Instant Background Check System (NICS).
Here in Indiana, the good news is Gov. Mitch Daniels’ administration has begun discussing joining counterparts in other states in sharing state mental health records with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, in accordance with the NICS Improvement Act of 2007 – an action supported by the NRA.
As the first body of its kind in the country, Indiana’s Department of Homeland Security/Indiana Emergency Management Higher Education Advisory Board (IDHS/IEMHEAB) came into existence post 9/11 primarily to share anti-terrorism and disaster-response information among colleges and universities statewide.
Increasingly, college and universities in Indiana are taking a number of steps on their own to secure their campuses. For example:
Ball State, Ivy Tech and Purdue University were among campuses that have begun increasing awareness of emergency plans and providing personal safety tips on campus;
Butler University conducted a three-day disaster-preparedness exercise – including active-shooter scenarios – in September. Purdue conducted a similar exercise earlier this summer;
Indiana State University has invested nearly $20,000 in equipment – including assault rifles and body armor – for their campus police to help neutralize threats;
Indiana University held faculty forums on proactively engaging students struggling with mental health issues and violent behavior;
Purdue maintains a radio-equipped student security patrol, whose members survey campus on foot and look for suspect behavior;
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and University of Indianapolis have hired expert personnel to focus on campus security; and
Ivy Tech’s Indianapolis campus has the ability to perform an internal lockdown of their facilities.
Meanwhile, Indiana’s 31 private colleges are making significant changes to their security systems. Their efforts include revamping emergency preparedness plans; making available online crime statistics and personal safety tips; providing 24-hour patrol protection from sworn police officers; limiting access to residence halls to those with electronic key cards; and offering counseling services to students.
Current state budget discussions may offer opportunities to discuss, encourage and incentivize colleges and universities receiving state funding to develop and annually revise campus violence prevention plans builds on similar procedures already required of Indiana’s public K-12 schools.
So we’re making progress. I’m pleased state officials are taking such pro-active steps before another tragedy occurs. If we all work together, our campuses will be safer for everyone.
Sen. David Long (R-Fort Wayne) is President Pro-Tem of the Indiana Senate. He serves District 16, which includes portions of Fort Wayne.
> Read More Information About Us
> More Articles Written By Our Staff
- Celebrating 20 Years Of Community At The Stand - April 12, 2024
- First Positive Case Of Chronic Wasting Disease In Indiana - April 12, 2024
- Southwest Allen County Schools Embark On Major Tree Plantings - April 12, 2024