My Opinions Story

     An unfortunate tragedy has occurred at the University of Texas. A young, 18-year-old named Haruka Weiser was killed on her way back to her dorm on April 3. She was reported missing and her body was found in a creek on campus, on April 5th. 

     The recent event at the University of Texas has brought to light a very underemphasized issue of student safety on campus. Student safety is always at risk, especially at a campus that is so close to the many dangerous areas.

     I always hear about crimes on campus’s in other cities, but when it occurs so close to home in a place where my friends go to school, the intensity and fear rises in my mind, as is probably does for many people.

     Crimes like this highlight the closeness of the community, however if the community can come together beforehand and work as a group to be safer and take extra precaution then lives can be saved.

     Many people have a misconception that walking around campus alone at any time of the day can be safe. However, with new gun laws signed by governor Greg Abbott anyone can carry a gun or concealed weapon on campus, which endangers lives. This law is known as "campus carry". 

     The fact that something this horrific can happen to a student for no reason comes to how the lack of proper security on campus. After this incident, the police presence on campus has increased drastically. 

     UT as well as many other colleges and universities have volunteer systems where people can voluntarily walk with each other to and from class. This is a great way be safe, feel safe, and still be able to travel around the campus.

     Students clearly feel safe using the system because the user rates have shot up since Weiser's body was found. I would enforce that people at least walk with a friend or peer because that can save their life.

     Some will argue that the campus is safe and that there is no need for protection, while others may believe that this type of incident could never happen to them. In my opinion there is no harm in caring for your life. It shows integrity and courage to understand the possibility of crime on campus and to take action against it. 

     Safety is always the number one priority, so I think that people should do their part to protect themselves. I want people to know about the ways that they can protect themselves, and that it is ok to rely on others for protection. It is not always a weakness to rely on others.