The Same Sad Song: A Campus in Refrain

"The temporary responses to these incidents only fuel the frustration among students, who are truly looking for genuine change." 

The recent shooting in front of the Otis Moss suites has once again highlighted a grim reality on college campuses. Violence has become an all-too-frequent occurrence, leaving students feeling unsafe in what should be their home away from home. This fear and insecurity undermine the fundamental purpose of these institutions as safe havens for personal and academic growth. As students confront this tragic reality, it is imperative for the Atlanta University Consortium Center and policymakers to prioritize effective safety measures, promote open dialogues about gun control, and foster a culture of community support to restore a sense of security and belonging.

Krista Campbell, a junior music major at Spelman College, expressed her deep concern about safety on campus. “Our safety is absolutely compromised just because this happened in the middle of the day on a random Tuesday,” she said. Campbell’s words encapsulate the unsettling reality that anything can happen in the environment. The recurring nature of such incidents has left many students feeling frustrated and disappointed. “It doesn’t seem like they’re doing much because it keeps happening,” she added. Her relief at living off-campus only underscores the anxiety many students feel about their safety within campus boundaries. 

Courtland Wesley, a senior biology major at Morehouse College, echoed this sentiment, sharing how the shooting impacted his sense of security. “It really just makes me feel anxious—having a shooting happen on campus especially during the time-period in which I had just left campus,” he noted. Wesley’s fear that “any day it could be me” illustrates the profound psychological toll these events have on students. He questioned the effectiveness of campus security, stating, “The money being allocated as the campus police isn’t being used if we keep having frequent incidents like this.” His call for increased mindfulness regarding student protection reflects a growing desire for accountability and tangible action. 

Anise Ross, a junior psychology major at Clark Atlanta University, shared her frustration with the lack of long-term solutions. “It’s frustrating having to keep bringing it up and... things [are] being done in the moment, but nothing is being done long term for us to feel safe at school,” she said. The temporary responses to these incidents only fuel the frustration among students, who are truly looking for genuine change. 

The issue of gun control must be addressed within the campus community. Educational institutions have a responsibility to advocate for sensible policies that protect their students. This involves not only engaging with policymakers, but also fostering discussions within the student body about the implications of gun violence and the importance of creating safer environments. 

A proactive approach involves fostering an environment where mental health discussions and gun control dialogues are prioritized. Mental health resources need to be readily available and widely promoted, ensuring that students feel supported and heard. Open conversations about mental well-being can help de-stigmatize seeking help, allowing those in distress to find the support they need before reaching a crisis point. 

The repeated tragedies on campus demand a decisive and comprehensive response. Will students finally receive the effective action they need from administration and campus police?  This includes enhancing security measures, such as increasing the Atlanta Police Department's presence, installing surveillance cameras, improving lighting, and implementing restricted access points with ID checks. This call for change isn’t just a cry for help; it’s a bold demand for a future where students can thrive in safety within their own community.