Concerns over campus safety grow as Kennesaw State students demand better security measures. What can be done to take action in addressing these concerns?
Campus safety is a topic that should be at the forefront of every university’s priorities, especially in light of increasing reports of harassment towards female students.
At Kennesaw State University, concerns about campus safety have been mounting, with students voicing their unease about the lack of security measures and the handling of problematic behavior.
Katline Lawrence, a student, highlighted some of these wounding issues.
“Personally, I feel like security is really relaxed, and it should not be, especially at night,” she said. “Sometimes I’ll be on campus late for clubs, and I don’t see a single police officer or anything. We’re an open campus, and there are people with ill intent on and off campus. I feel like there is more of a need for protection.”
Katline also mentioned the absence of emergency alert buttons, a common feature on other campuses.
“Campuses like UGA and GSU have alert buttons so that if there were incidents, someone would be notified, but we don’t have that.”
Her concerns reflect the sentiments of many other students who feel that simple safety measures, such as increased police presence and emergency resources, could make a significant difference.
Another student, Xaren Granville, added to these concerns, particularly regarding the time it takes for complaints about harassment to be addressed.
“It took like four people to complain about the weird guy last year,” she recalled, “and that was just the people who talked about it online. Who knows who else was a victim?”
Xaren also believed race and gender played a role in harassment on campus.
“Men think women are an easier target. It’s not my opinion; it’s literally what happens all the time,” she said, “especially with the whole harassing Black women on campus… Just because we have a racist president [President-elect Donald Trump] doesn’t mean you get to act just as ridiculous.”
These student experiences point to a larger issue of how campus authorities handle or do not handle safety concerns.
Students deserve a safe environment, free from harassment and fear. Practical steps, such as installing emergency alert systems, designated safe spaces, and increased police presence, could go a long way in addressing these concerns.
“Even if people see an officer in passing while walking back to their dorm, it will help them feel safer,” Katline suggested.
She also proposed public service announcements about safe spaces on campus, particularly for off-campus students who may not be familiar with the area.
Safety is not just about preventing worst-case scenarios; it’s about maintaining an environment where students feel secure. Until Kennesaw State prioritizes these measures, students will continue to question whether their safety is taken seriously.
