Editorial: Safer than most, but is that enough?

Sex crimes are a misfortune and we could only hope the numbers would be zero every year, but unfortunately this is not the case.

Some of our neighbors in the state university system haven’t fared so well. Florida State University reported 13 sex offenses from 2010 to 2013, 21 were reported by the University of Central Florida between 2010 and 2014 and 36 were reported in the University of Florida from 2010 to 2012.

The University can consider itself lucky when it comes to sexual crimes on campus — at least statistically speaking. According to the Florida International University Police Department’s Annual Security and Fire Report, 10 forcible sex offenses have occurred in the Modesto A.  Maidique Campus between 2010 and 2012, with one incident during those years occurring in a study abroad program.

We may be lucky but that does not mean we are safe. As a public institution, our campus is wide open for anyone to enter.  There is no telling who is a perpetrator.

However, the greatest danger to us is not an external one, but one from within. From 2011 through 2012, all of the forcible sex offenses for the University occurred on MMC housing premises.

The dangers present on campus may not always be real but they are most certainly perceived, especially by the women on our staff.

While some on our staff feel safe walking at night, all agreed that being in dark areas with little foot traffic elevates the perception of a threat.

The logistical reality is that it is impossible for cameras, panic buttons and campus police to be present in every stairwell, parking garage and dorm room.
eboard@fiusm.com