Young women entering college have constantly been warned about violence against women on campus since around the 80’s. It has been a topic that has been highly discussed by major cities and universities around the world, but especially in the United States. 

However the perspective of safety is subjective, and it varies from student to student. Many students live exclusively on campus, rendering a first-hand experience of what campus life can bring to your doorstep. While on the other hand, many students commute and are not entirely experiencing what a campus resident may.

For this editorial, women on The Whit staff share their own perspectives on safety at Rowan.

Madison Miller, Editor-in-Chief: “When I walk around Rowan’s campus, not only do I feel safe, but additionally I feel a strong sense of community. In academic buildings, in coffee shops, and on my daily walking route I often run into friends, colleagues, and professors, which makes the large campus feel like a home away from home. As a college student, my safety feels like a top priority, but as a young woman, there have been times when I do feel like a target. There have been multiple instances at local bars or parties where young men, some of whom are strangers, some of whom I knew personally, have tried to offer me a drink that they refused to try themselves. These unfortunate experiences remind me that no matter where I am, or who I am with, I always need to be careful and aware of my surroundings, and it reminds me to look out for other girls regardless of if I know them or not.”

Sarah Shockey, Co-News Editor: “As a commuter student, I am typically not on campus super late so during the day when I am going to my classes I do feel extremely safe. If I do happen to be on campus at night, I am usually with friends so I am not wandering around at night alone. However, when I hear or read about a crime that happens on campus, it reminds me of the safety issues that present themselves in Glassboro from time to time. For example, there was a stabbing on Mick Street right by 301 High Street last semester. I walk that route every single day to get to my classes so hearing that a stabbing occurred there was an eye-opener for me. It’s instances like these where I remember safety concerns in Glassboro are a very real thing.”

Abigail Twiford, Co-News Editor: “I’d say I feel mostly safe on campus, though I only ever really go where I know and I’m not here at night all that often. Even when I am, it is fairly well-lit across campus, with high levels of activity, so I’m never concerned about running into someone sketchy with no one around to help. Some off-campus places, namely Ellis Street, could definitely be better lit and better patrolled though. When I used to park in the Ellis Lot, I was always nervous going back to my car at night.”

Sophia Fandino, Opinion Editor: “As someone who has lived on campus for the past (almost) four years, I would like to say I feel 100% safe on campus, but this would not be the truth. One of the most prominent moments that stood out to me was when I lived in Holly Pointe my freshman year. I was returning from a friend’s room, who lived on the completely opposite side of the dorm from where my room was located. A man who in my opinion seemed to be much older than an undergraduate student, let alone a freshman, followed me from the elevator all the way to my room. He made comments and remarks that were entirely inappropriate and made me nervous for my own safety. Luckily, I was able to escape this situation by running into people I knew, but I hate to think about what could have happened if I didn’t. There have been many more experiences since then, but this was the one that made me realize that I really need to be on guard, even in my own dorm.” 

Paige Britt, Features Editor: “Since I was little, I have been told that I am a target. Simply because I am a young girl and nothing else, and girls are weak and boys are strong and men are evil. While I have grown to know better than all of those things, there will always be a voice in the back of my mind telling me I need to protect myself. As a young woman on a college campus, there is the fear of a dangerous stranger coming out of the bushes to attack. The perpetuation of this idea diminishes the very real truth that when women are victims of interpersonal violence, it is more often than not committed by someone they know. These are ideas I always have in the back of mind, and I am constantly aware of the women around me and their safety. While I don’t really go out and am not a part of Rowan’s nightlife, I usually have a short walk to my car late at night when leaving The Whit. Even though it is only a few minutes and the quiet of campus is sometimes peaceful, I always make sure I’m on the phone with someone. How safe I feel on campus has very little to do with Rowan; it has to do with being a woman.”

Beth Cimaglia, Arts & Entertainment Editor: “‘Be aware of your surroundings,’ ‘don’t wear headphones when walking alone,’ ‘use the buddy system.’ These were all things that were engrained into me from the time I was little. Despite the significant spike in Timely Warnings during my freshman year at Rowan, I have truly never felt unsafe. There are many factors that contribute to my feeling of safety in Glassboro, one being my own background and experience. For years I used to travel by way of public transport, alone, into Philadelphia. By doing that, you’re exposed to a whole different type of “unsafe,” and are pretty much forced to be “street smart.” In comparison to Philadelphia at night, Glassboro is like puppies and kittens. That’s not to say that there aren’t dangers here, because there are. No where involving the public is truly safe these days, and women especially, need to always be aware of our surroundings in order to keep ourselves safe. What’s most important is that young people keep their wits about them, pay attention, and report any suspicious behavior or threats to their safety immediately. It is also especially important for young people to know that if something happens to them, it is not their fault, and Rowan safety works around the clock to help.”

Katie Thorn, Productions Editor: “I want my campus to be a safe place. A place I can call my second home. Truthfully, the majority of the time, I feel pretty safe on Rowan’s campus.  Walking from class to class and exploring the campus during the day time is something that never struck any fear. While I feel pretty safe on campus in the daylight hours, when the night turns to day, that often changes. I often find that I’m in high alert walking around campus at night time. When walking to my car parked in lot Y from Bozorth after a long night at the whit, I genuinely feel like I’m in danger. While I appreciate the safety measures Rowan has taken, I think they could still be improved. As Rowan is taking steps to improve and modernize its campus, like a renovated student center, I think the school should pay more attention to the safety of students around campus.”

Claire McDermott, Copy Editor: “I feel pretty safe on campus. I say this because I’ve never personally encountered any reasons to feel unsafe, then again my classes are early and in broad daylight with plenty of people often walking around. Nothing has ever happened to me personally that has made me feel unsafe, but I also don’t really go to campus parties or events often as I’m an employed commuter. I’ve heard plenty of stories from friends who do attend parties and events; it’s often the same and unfortunately very common story of a drink spiking or sexual harassment/assault. So although I personally feel safe, I am also very aware of the many real reasons for women to be extra cautious around campus, especially at parties and some events.”

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