Analisa Boza

Ellie Holt
Jed May

Georgia Students Unsure of Campus Safety Protocol

Its the one thing that nobody likes to think about, and yet we must always be prepared for.

According to everytownresearch.org, Since 2013, there have been over 200 school shootings in
America an average of nearly one a week.

For many students at the University of Georgia, the answers to the questions of what to do in a
time like this are ones of fear, uncertainty and confusion.

Several students feel as though they have no idea what they are supposed to do in a time of crisis.
Both junior political science major Nathan David Lavender and junior international relations
major Mearon Lemma both said they felt unsure of what to do in a campus-related emergency.

In the event of a weather-related emergency or a loose gunman, students are unclear on what the
proper protocol would be.

One of the concerns of students is the presence of guns on campus. Journalism major Madison
Gable said, If people were carrying guns around campus, I wouldnt like it.

President Morehead recently endorsed USG Chancellor's testimony against the campus carry bill,
which reassured many students on campus who were feeling uneasy about this bill being passed.

21-year old Matt Mewbourne believes there are several things the University can do to make
campus safer for those walking at night. One thing that other universities have implemented are
emergency poles where students can press a button signal that they are in danger, they keep
pressing the poles every time they walk by one, and the police can keep track of their destination
and send help. He generally feels safe at night but knows this isnt how all students feel,
especially at night and through north campus.
Students would be in chaos without being aware of a protocol that is set in stone. Most students
said they believe the burden for making sure everyone is aware of the emergency procedures
falls on the police.

While most agree that its the responsibility of law enforcement to keep everyone safe and aware
during an emergency, how they should do that varies from student to student. Some students
believe the police accomplish this mission simply by being around campus.

I think presence is really important and I think they do that, said junior Emma Faulk.
Students are aware of whats going on, and theyre there a lot of times.

Other students mentioned different things the police could implement for the benefit of students.
Twenty-two-year-old senior communication studies major Kendall Knotts said he would like to
see campus police circulate a newsletter of general safety protocol on what to do in an
emergency situation.

Tony Phan, a sophomore entertainment and media studies major, said the police could take more
of a hands-on approach by putting on workshops and seminars. But he also recognizes the police
will have to find a way to get students to show up at these events as well.

Its really hard to get college students out to those, Phan said. So some sort of incentive in
terms of food or free T-shirt or something like that, thats obviously going to bring people out.

There are varying opinions as to how the police can keep students informed of safety procedures.
Many students, like sophomore Jeri Sasser, said they feel pretty safe on campus.

But no matter how safe students may feel now, they still must be prepared for the possibility of a
shooter on campus. For many students, such as 21-year-old Austin Dobbs, the most important
thing is simply that everyone knows what they should be doing.

I guess maybe getting a plan of action, like a what should we do thing, Dobbs said. I was
thinking kind of like the same thing, just to know there is a plan and the teacher knows about it.
We dont have to have like a drill or anything.
Sources

Nathan Lavender- nathan.lavender25@uga.edu

Madison gable- madison.gable25@uga.edu
Auston Dobbs- austin.dobbs@uga.edu
Austin Fry- austin.fry25@uga.edu
Emma Faulk- emma.faulk25@uga.edu
Kendall Knotts- kendall.knotts25@uga.edu
Jeri Sasser- jeri.sasser@uga.edu
Matt Mewbourne- mlm43443@uga.edu
Mearon Lemma- mearon.lemma25@uga.edu
Tony Phan- tony.pham26@uga.edu
Anjali Patel- Age 20, Sophomore (we are working on the e-mail)

Sidebar:

Most students that were interviewed did not have mass shootings on their list of things they are
worried about happenings. Most students said they had never even thought about it.

Q: Are you worried about a mass shooting possibly occurring on campus?

Madison Gable, 20, sophomore, journalism major

Its not something I actively get concerned about, although I didnt like last year with the campus
carry law, like where is that at? If people were carrying guns around campus, I wouldnt like it.
Austin Dobbs, 21, Junior

Yeah, Ive definitely thought about it before

Austin Fry, 19, freshman

Its crossed my mind, but I never see it happening.

Anjali Patel, 20, sophomore

No.

Tags: Police, University of Georgia, Athens, Safety

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