In the wake of the Virginia Tech slayings we, at the Skyline View question the security of our campus.
Judging from their webpage, Skyline’s security department does not have the proper guidelines if an event similar to the Virginia Tech shootings happens.
The security webpage lists first aid protocols ranging from bomb threats to insect bites; but it does not list anything about responding to an assailant wielding semi-automatic weapons.
The likelihood of a disgruntle student shooting up the school may be slim but students of Virginia Tech and even Columbine high school may have thought that as well.
We urge Skyline College’s Security department to update its website in lieu of the recent tragedy.
Numerous news programs report that the campus security of Virginia Tech responded an hour late to the crisis which brought up the subject of communication or lack there of.
The school is equipped with nine emergency phones located only in buildings one, five, seven and eight, coupled with the chronic lack of cell phone signals students frequently experience, could be the makings of a tragedy.
Skyline is also situated near the San Andreas Fault line, making the college a prone area for earth quakes which makes the phone lines even more needed.
Added emergency phones would be a great improvement for the school, as they make students feel more secure and also add concrete lifelines incase of a real emergency.
According to an email sent to all employees, Skyline plans to install a carillon system granting the school the ability to send instant messages to the students whenever there is a crisis.
The email also states that the administration is investigating how to send a mass text message to all the students with cell phones at Skyline, allowing for an instantaneous warning for everyone.
The planned improvements are a welcome addition to the campus but we need them as soon as possible.
It is not right for a tragedy to happen before change is implemented but we must learn from our mistakes and never let this happen again or at least respond with the utmost concern.