Administration must address safety issues to students

By Nick Obradovich

On Monday, Nov. 13, 2006, I sent an e-mail to University President Paul Locatelli, S.J., concerning the increase in violence on and around campus, asking him to inform the student body. I received no reply. On Nov. 17, I sent out another e-mail to check to make sure he had received the first. I, again, received no reply.

The administration has failed to inform the student body about these safety and security issues. So, I will inform the students.

The following is the verbatim e-mail I sent to the president on Nov. 13.

Editor's Note: This e-mail appears as originally written for the purpose of authenticity.

"Hello Father,

My name is Nick Obradovich, I have met with you previously (had lunch with you at Fr. Sonny's birthday, and have run into you numerous other events). I am a Community Facilitator (CF) on the fifth floor of the Modern Perspectives RLC in Dunne. My room is situated right above the corner of Market and Lafayette streets. This email is to hopefully convince you to send out a statement (via email) to the student body concerning the growing incidences (sic) of violence in our community.

I personally know [the student who suffered brain trauma during a violent altercation with non-affiliates], and am saddened by what happened to him. He went to the same high school as I did. However, if this were the only incidence (sic) of violence I was aware of, I would not be writing this email. As a CF, I am hyper-vigilant to what is going on within the residence hall and also to what is going on around the outside of the building. Sadly, as a result of this, I am very aware of the increasing incidence of both physical and verbal violence on and around Market and Lafayette streets on party nights.

I have listened to verbal confrontations on the street while sitting inside my room, seen physical confrontations while around the building, and been verbally assaulted myself. The physical confrontations, swearing, and physical threats were enough to make me uncomfortable even when I was removed from the situation. The aura of hostility has increased exponentially from what it was last year.

I understand that the problem of non-affiliate aggression is something that cannot be directly addressed by the Santa Clara administration. However, I do feel that the administration has a duty to make its students aware of the threats posed by the increase in hostility. The fact that [the student]'s incident was not made known to the student body troubles me (I have randomly asked people if they had heard about it, and from the large number I polled, only a handful had heard of it). I think it is the duty of the administration to convey real threats to its student body for both their awareness and their safety.

Since both you and I share the primary goals of assuring the safety and security of our students, I implore you to send out an email to our student body. In this email, I feel two issues need to be addressed. First is the issue of the students (sic) safety and need for awareness of the increased hostility and violent activity surrounding the campus on party nights. Second is the advice for students not to engage non-affiliates when attempts to escalate conflicts are made. We must emphasize that a de-escalation of conflicts is the wisest and safest way to interact. (Far too often, I hear our students escalating conflicts verbally to the point where they then become physical).

If we can make students aware of these problems and how to react to them, we will be doing our students the service that they deserve. I do not want to come across as blunt or pushy, however this is an issue that I feel must be addressed immediately.

Thank you for your time and your continued efforts to make this campus a safer community. Your efforts to keep the community aware of dangers and threats such as the emails sent out about the shooting off campus last year and the disaster preparedness are commendable.

Sincerely, Nick Obradovich"

Since the administration has not taken any action to make our students aware of these issues, I felt that someone should pick up the slack.

If you are out and someone is trying to start a fight or is throwing out insults or threats toward you or your friends, try to de-escalate the situation. One of our fellow students has already been seriously injured. He is one student too many.

If you were already aware of the situation, then you are probably in the minority. However, if you were not, I hope this information has helped.

Nick Obradovich is an undeclared sophomore.