The safety of students has long been a concern across campuses nationwide, and Rowan has been no exception. In light of recent events, the practices and protocols of Rowan and their campus security have been called into question. 

While the incident did not result in a violent altercation or any injuries, there was no notification provided by the alert system that advised students of the occurrence. The combination of a gun making its way into the dormitory and the fact that students were not notified of the situation causes students to question whether or not the university is doing enough to protect its students. 

Should the university implement security measures like metal detectors? Should there be stricter room checks conducted by the Community Assistants (CA’s)? Rowan needs to take a step back and really ponder on how they can make their campus safer and improve the college experience for students.

The discovery of a firearm on school grounds has given us the opportunity to reopen a dialogue where we question if the school is implementing enough security measures to maintain the safety of its students. College dormitories are supposed to be a place where students feel at home. There shouldn’t be any worries regarding the safety of students while away at a university. A college campus should be a place where students can live and study without the fear of violence. 

However, with the recent event at 230 Victoria, is obvious that is not the case. What the gun possession here showed, is that there is a level of susceptibility when it comes to safety and security measures in dormitories. The introduction of metal detectors could serve as a precautionary and protective measure in order to maintain the safety of students. This would prohibit any weapons including firearms or other harmful devices which would consequently lessen the likelihood of accidents or any other violent occurrences happening. The addition of metal detectors would provide universities and their students with a supplementary coating of security. 

Another solution, although it would be considered controversial and would most likely come with increased criticism from students and parents, would be the enforcement of stricter room checks by the CA’s in the dorm. The implementation of more uncompromising room checks would almost certainly minimize the likelihood of drugs, weapons, or any other taboo object in the hands of students on campus. 

However, as previously stated, this does not come without opposition. Many students, myself included, feel like the enforcement of a stricter conduction of a room check is an invasion of privacy to the students who live in these dormitories. The tightening of the leash could lead to contention between students and administrative staff. 

It’s not hard to see why a strained relationship between students and staff would be bad for all parties involved. It would be detrimental to the overall environment and safety of the campus. Rowan has the duty of balancing an easy-going environment and relationship with the students, with the overall safety of both students and staff on campus. 

Another thing to erupt from this incident that was quite troubling was the failure of Rowan Alert to notify its students of the incident to begin with. Students across campus count on the campus security alert system to notify them of the incidents that go on in a timely and accurate manner. Consequently, there is a case in the aftermath of this incident that calls to question the trustworthiness of the school to provide students with enough information in order for them to travel through campus safely. 

I would like to assume that the school is not more concerned with protecting its image and prestige in place of protecting its students. There needs to be constant communication between the school and its students in all facets, but especially with campus security and the safety of students being involved. 

Respecting the privacy of students without leaving the campus vulnerable to security and safety breaches is an interesting and multifaceted debate. While I am sure the installation of metal detectors within the dorms would come with some groans, students would eventually come around to the new device and might even forget it was even there. However the process of more meticulous room checks would come with serious opposition from students universally. The fact that this is as contentious debate emphasizes the gravity of the situation.

Conclusively, it is on the shoulders of Rowan to come to a clear and concise decision in creating and maintaining a secure and even-tempered environment for all on campus.

For comments/questions about this story DM us on Instagram @thewhitatrowan or email opinion@gmail.com