Va. Tech shooting raises doubts
Is Delaware prepared if such an event strikes Newark?
Issue date: 4/17/07 Section: Editorial
The Review staff is deeply saddened by yesterday's tragedy at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. We offer our most sincere sympathies to anyone affected in Blacksburg, Va. or across the country.
In light of these events it is time that the university, along with every college in the country, reflects on and takes into consideration the emergency plans for situations that could endanger their student bodies.
More so, it is important that our university educates us on the nature of these plans so we can be somewhat aware of what to expect in any given situation. At all times, there should be an open line of communication between students and the administration that allows us to expect the unexpected and avoid situations like this one.
If the university, or any university at that, does not have a plan that could counter this type of attack, one needs to be implemented immediately and students need to be notified that it is being devised.
Although nobody could have foreseen this kind of tragedy, this event should be a wake-up call that tragedies are a real possibility. When comparing the two towns, is Newark all that different from Blacksburg?
Both schools are in stereotypically "safe" suburban areas. Neither college is barred from the public, but rather, they are the centerpiece of their respective towns.
Our administration needs to take this massacre into consideration and re-examine the policy that does not allow University Police to carry firearms. If something of this magnitude were to happen here, police should not have their forcible response delayed.
Delaware's administration should be commended for its quick response in offering counseling to the university community and should continue to help aid students and faculty that have been affected or are distressed by yesterday's events.
We urge the university to quickly respond to this incident and extend an open invitation for any aid or assistance Tech may need in the coming weeks.
In light of these events it is time that the university, along with every college in the country, reflects on and takes into consideration the emergency plans for situations that could endanger their student bodies.
More so, it is important that our university educates us on the nature of these plans so we can be somewhat aware of what to expect in any given situation. At all times, there should be an open line of communication between students and the administration that allows us to expect the unexpected and avoid situations like this one.
If the university, or any university at that, does not have a plan that could counter this type of attack, one needs to be implemented immediately and students need to be notified that it is being devised.
Although nobody could have foreseen this kind of tragedy, this event should be a wake-up call that tragedies are a real possibility. When comparing the two towns, is Newark all that different from Blacksburg?
Both schools are in stereotypically "safe" suburban areas. Neither college is barred from the public, but rather, they are the centerpiece of their respective towns.
Our administration needs to take this massacre into consideration and re-examine the policy that does not allow University Police to carry firearms. If something of this magnitude were to happen here, police should not have their forcible response delayed.
Delaware's administration should be commended for its quick response in offering counseling to the university community and should continue to help aid students and faculty that have been affected or are distressed by yesterday's events.
We urge the university to quickly respond to this incident and extend an open invitation for any aid or assistance Tech may need in the coming weeks.
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