Navigating New Norms: Enhancing Personal Safety on University Campuses

The Issue

In recent months, the atmosphere of university campuses has been increasingly disrupted by a range of safety concerns. Campuses across the US are seeing protests turning violent, the presence of non-student agitators, cyber harassment, social media doxxing, and both students and faculty alike are facing heightened security risks that necessitate an updated dialogue about safety.

Why this is a problem?

The presence of external agitators and the escalation of protests into violence creates a climate of unpredictability which undermines the sense of security which is foundational for academic learning (Peng et al., 2024). Additionally, cyber harassment and social media doxxing extend these threats into the digital realm, where personal safety is compromised, affecting mental health and leading to a pervasive atmosphere of intimidation, anxiety, and decreased physical well-being associated with distress.

Understanding the Landscape: Campus Crime Statistics and Campus Safety and Security

The first step towards enhancing safety is understanding the specific risks present. Universities are microcosms of the broader society; present issues such as protests, which have escalated into violence affecting even students who decide to take a neutral stance on the protection of Israel and Jewish students on campus. Campus security often hesitates to intervene in physical altercations due to the complexity of distinguishing between protesters who do not engage in violence and those who escalate to physical confrontation and intimidation. Both administration and on-campus security aim to avoid infringing on the rights to free speech and assembly due to legal liability and fear of public backlash. Precedent of the BLM riots of 2020 indicates there is also increased fear from administrators that a heavy-handed security responses could further escalate tensions.

Additionally, and perhaps most consequential in terms of safety, is that campuses are not immune to the presence of non-student agitators who hold personal and/or political agendas which disrupt the academic environment, instigate violence, or pose direct threats to student and campus safety.

How To Assess Safety and Risk Level on Campus

Awareness of present risks and safety concerns ahead of time helps students stay out of harms way and avoid altercations. While the Clery Act provides data from previous years, present issues are dynamic and evolve daily. Local news stations and law enforcement do not, and cannot publicize all incidents which take place in a given day. Public safety apps such as Citizen's may help you stay informed of situations as they develop.

Clery Act

The Clery Act was designed to make campus crime data accessible to students and faculty, aiming to promote transparency and improve campus safety; for more information, visit Clery Center. While it intended that the Clery Act would play a crucial role in campus safety by mandating that institutions of higher education in the United States collect and disclose information about crime on and around their campuses, there are severe shortcomings.

One major criticism is its reliance on self-reporting by institutions. Self reporting can lead to underreporting or misreporting especially when social behaviors are being scrutinized (Brenner & DeLamater, 2016). Additionally, the definitions of reportable crimes may vary from campus to campus, causing inconsistencies in data across institutions. Another issue is the scope of reporting; critics argue Clery should be expanded to include off-campus activities related to the institution such as stalking, cyberbullying, or sexual assault. Lastly, compliance enforcement can be uneven, impacting the act's effectiveness in ensuring student safety and informed decision-making by prospective students and their families.

Solutions and Improvements

Educate Yourself for Risk Reduction

Knowledge is power. Familiarize yourself with the safety concerns on your campus by reading through policies, procedures, and the most recent crime analysis reports available. This information should be publicly available and provided by the university by request. It can give you a solid foundation on what measures are already in place and where there may be gaps.

Personal Emergency Strategies and Basic Self Defense

Having a personal emergency plan is crucial. Develop and implement clear strategies for communication and actions you should take if you find yourself in an unsafe situation. This includes knowing the quickest routes to safety, having emergency contacts readily available, and being aware of how to reach campus security and local law enforcement.

Seek Clarity and Stay Informed

Do not hesitate to ask for more information regarding how the university plans to address specific safety concerns, especially those which might fall outside the typical; such as non-student agitators. A clear understanding of these policies will not only provide peace of mind but also prepare you for any potential situations.

The office of campus safety at your college plays a vital role in creating a secure environment for all students and staff, actively collaborating with local law enforcement to address any potential threats effectively. It is imperative that members of the college community are familiar with the services offered by the campus safety office to ensure their own well-being and compliance with the law. Awareness of resources, training, advocacy, and safety education is should be a crucial part of orientation for first year students.

For Jewish students on campus organizations such as Hillel, Yehudi, and Krav for Kesher offer access to self defense training and safety planning. Evidence based self defense® also offer education on your rights in regard to safety and self defense, how-to deal advocate for yourself among administrators and law enforcement following incidents.

Actionable Self Protection

Preparedness is good sense. Taking a first aid class, knowing where the AED or fire extinguishers are in your dorm are normative behaviors. Personal safety and awareness of ones rights and environmental risks is no different. Enrolling in a self-defense class or course can provide you with valuable skills and confidence to protect yourself in various situations. Realize that not all self defense classes are created equal. Look for programs that are evidence-based (such as the Shaan Saar LLC Security Group's Evidence based self defense® program) and tailored to address the unique safety concerns found on university campuses; especially those who have current, updated information for staying safe during civil protests and the changing tides of safety on campus.

Prioritize Your Safety and Awareness

In light of these concerns and solutions, we urge students and faculty members to take proactive steps towards enhancing their personal safety. One immediate action you can take is enrolling in the Shaan Saar Krav Maga by the Shaan Saar LLC Security Group University Preparedness Senior Seminar. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this seminar is specifically designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the new norms of campus safety effectively. Please note, the price will increase to $300 on May 27th, so take advantage of this opportunity now to invest in your safety and well-being.

Campus safety is a shared responsibility, and by taking these steps, we can contribute to creating a safer and more secure environment for everyone. Engage with your campus community, participate in safety programs, and always be prepared. Your safety is worth the effort.

SUMMARY:

Discover the essential guide to enhancing safety on university campuses amid emerging security challenges. This comprehensive document offers vital insights into navigating new norms, from understanding specific risks to implementing strategic solutions. Learn practical tips on personal emergency planning, the importance of self-defense education, and proactive measures to ensure your safety. With expert advice and actionable steps, empower yourself to create a more secure academic environment amidst protests, non-student agitation, and more. Join us in prioritizing campus safety for students and faculty alike and take a significant step forward by enrolling in specialized seminars like the Shaan Saar Krav Maga University Preparedness Senior Seminar. Safety is a shared responsibility, equip yourself to contribute to a safer campus today.

References:
Brenner, P. S., & DeLamater, J. (2016). Lies, Damned Lies, and Survey Self-Reports? Identity as a Cause of Measurement Bias. Social Psychology Quarterly, 79(4), 333-354. https://doi.org/10.1177/0190272516628298

Peng Y. L., Li, Y., Cheng W. Y. &, Wang K. (2024). Evaluation and optimization of sense of security during the day and night in campus public spaces Based on physical environment and psychological perception. Sustainability. 16(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031256