BY: Chris Porter
Since the start of 2022, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been under attack. More than a dozen schools have reported bomb threats against them, including schools such as Howard University, Spelman College, Alcorn State University and Bethune Cookman University. Luckily, Alabama State University, an HBCU that sits 10 minutes away from AUM, hasn’t received a bomb threat. However, it’s not far-fetched to think that this could have happened or that there’s potential for it to happen in the future. With that being said, it is extremely important for students to be aware of their surroundings while on campus, especially in these times. Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure your safety as you roam through campus grounds.
Get to know campus police.
The most essential source of safety on campus is the campus police. They provide security and protection from any type of danger you may be feeling. It is always great to know their number, know where their office is located and form relationships with some of the officers you see regularly. Campus police are on call 24 hours, meaning they are available for you to contact at any time of the day or night. As a student, getting in touch with campus police is the best course of action you can take to secure your safety.
Protect your assets and know your campus.
Knowing where you are, how to get around and where to go are some of the most important tools in managing any potential emergency on your campus. Always know where the emergency exits are in your class buildings. This will help if you need to escape in a timely manner. If you own a vehicle, it is essential to know all of the surrounding roads around your campus.
Make sure you lock your doors and try to frequently keep an eye on your vehicle. Never leave any valuable items in your car, such as money, jewelry or electronics. Criminals may be searching around college campuses and looking for an innocent student’s car to break into.
Another key point to make would be to always be watchful of your environment and to look around when you’re walking somewhere. You might notice things you don’t normally notice. In order to protect yourself and ensure your safety, take these tools, and most importantly, apply them. Below is a picture of the campus map to help assist you in knowing your way around AUM.
