Working at West Chester University, we have been told the emergency procedure in case of an active shooter on campus. While I listened to the instructions, and wondered if I'd be able to keep a cool enough head to actually follow them, I mostly felt as though I would likely never have to deal with such a situation. Not at West Chester. A good school. A safe school. In a safe neighborhood. However, in light of the recent shooting at Widener University, I've realized that simply isn't true. I've heard of many other shootings on college campuses, at "good schools," but never so close to home, and I guess that's the difference. Whether a random killing spree, or a targeted attack, anyone, anywhere, can be a victim. This is a terrifying thought. College campuses are supposed to be safe places for young adults to live and learn, to experience independence and growth. Amid all of that, no one should have to watch their back for the next angry, maladjusted, violent person with a gun. Unfortunately, there is only so much universities can do to protect their students. While they can install metal detectors in their buildings, have security patrol the campus, and be sure to check guests in and out of residence halls, it would be impossible to monitor and control every single thing that is happening everywhere on campus. That is the reality. So we could choose to blame the institutions for a lack of security, for letting it happen. Or we could take a look at the real problems, and work to instill an attitude of non-violence into our children, a timely lesson given MLK Day earlier this week. We can choose to address the red flags we see in our children's behavior, instead of ignoring them for fear of looking like a bad parent or having to deal with the stigma of mental health issues. We can foster an environment of open discussion, rather than suppression of feelings, especially for our boys/young men.
As a university employee and student, I am a little more scared today than I was just a few days ago. But this is not a university-specific issue. This is happening everywhere, and all too often. The solution starts with each and every one of us, and it's never too late to start caring, so we can all stop being scared.
