Awareness key to on-campus safety

So I Was Thinking

Last week, I was walking back from the Modular building around 8 p.m. It was dark and I was alone — I didn’t see another person until I reached UREC. A guy, who looked pretty harmless at first, was walking behind me — we were the only two people for as far as I could see. I kept walking and when I turned to look at him he didn’t smile, he just stared right back. We reached the tunnel and I started to speed up. When I turned to look at him again it seemed like he was speeding up, too. Finally, I pulled my room key out of my book bag and put the length of it between my fingers, ready for use as a weapon. I racked my mind to recall where the nearest blue light was, but I couldn’t. I turned once more to look at the guy and, seeing that he was still watching me, I took off, full sprint, toward my room in the Village.

As a Resident Adviser, I’ve warned many residents about the necessity of personal safety on university grounds. However, as a student myself, I’ve never questioned the safety of the JMU campus.

Unfortunately, after reading about the rape of a female student in a recent issue of The Breeze, I found myself uneasy. Although the rape claim was determined to be unfounded, I now know I can’t wait until someone is raped or assaulted to wise up because that person could be me. These new feelings of uncertainty have given way to my own personal action plan for safety on campus.

Although the guy who was behind me probably was just tired from his workout, I identified him as suspicious because he continued to stare at me. Even though it may border on extreme, I believe it is crucial to identify those people around who make you uncomfortable — they potentially could be dangerous. Also, stay in well-lit, populated areas at all times so you are never alone.

Although I know how to use the emergency phones around campus — I’ve taken the time to look at one — it’s just as important for me to know where they are. I’ve now made a conscious effort to remember blue lights and the yellow emergency phone boxes when I see them, and I will strongly support the SGA and Tom Culligan’s efforts to have more installed at JMU.

I’m also going to make an honest effort to use the age-old buddy system. If this isn’t possible, I’ve memorized the number where I can reach a campus escort (x8-6913). I know the hours they are available — Cadets are on duty from 7 p.m. until 12 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursdays and 8 p.m. until 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and police officer escorts are available after hours — and I won’t hesitate to make use of this great service.

I now carry a tiny keychain that contains pepper spray which I bought at CVS and I know how to use it if the need arises. I also pay close attention to the "Your Right to Know" documents which detail events that may be of concern to the JMU community and are posted in every residence hall and on many of the ad boards around campus.

JMU, I believe, is a safe community; however, there is always the possibility of unexpected circumstances. Rape or assault can happen to anyone. It took a dark, frightening walk back from the Modular building for me to take action — I hope all it will take for you is this article.

Ashley Lusk is a senior technical and scientific communications major.