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OP-ED: Gun decision should be revisited to show respect for campus
by Eric Pekar
Op-Ed | 10/16/07
Posted online at 9:14 PM EST on 10/15/07
/ Last updated at 9:58 PM EST on 10/15/07
In the past several weeks, I have heard many students express disappointment and anger over the University's decision to arm public safety officers. Many of these negative responses have to do with the way the decision was reached.
I've heard from a number of students that while the decision-making process bothers them, the ultimate decision does not. Due to this, many students have decided that it's not in Brandeis' interest to revisit the decision-after all, why change a decision that they believe is positive?
I would like to focus on the positive effects of revisiting the decision to arm public safety officers. Because of the secretive manner in which the discussions were held, further debate on the issue could raise campus awareness and restore trust in the administration and respect for the community.
Brandeis, as a private institution, has a high degree of autonomy in its decisions. The administration wasn't obligated to consult students, faculty or staff about the controversial arming decision, let alone any decision.
The privacy of the advisory committee, and the quiet decision making of Reinharz, though within the rights of the school, have limited the awareness of important community issues-such as safety.
Revisiting the decision, even unnecessarily, would allow more people to contribute to the debate and exchange ideas as to how the University can be safer. Honesty, trust, awareness and respect are pillars of a great community. Honesty, trust, awareness, and respect are pillars of a great community. As a small and close-knit school, Brandeis has the rare opportunity to include many voices in its decision-making process.
It is possible that the decision will not change. Nonetheless, by allowing the community to join in the process, the community will not only become more informed as to what is happening on campus, but the administration will be more informed as to how the community feels about campus safety issues.
I've heard from a number of students that while the decision-making process bothers them, the ultimate decision does not. Due to this, many students have decided that it's not in Brandeis' interest to revisit the decision-after all, why change a decision that they believe is positive?
I would like to focus on the positive effects of revisiting the decision to arm public safety officers. Because of the secretive manner in which the discussions were held, further debate on the issue could raise campus awareness and restore trust in the administration and respect for the community.
Brandeis, as a private institution, has a high degree of autonomy in its decisions. The administration wasn't obligated to consult students, faculty or staff about the controversial arming decision, let alone any decision.
The privacy of the advisory committee, and the quiet decision making of Reinharz, though within the rights of the school, have limited the awareness of important community issues-such as safety.
Revisiting the decision, even unnecessarily, would allow more people to contribute to the debate and exchange ideas as to how the University can be safer. Honesty, trust, awareness and respect are pillars of a great community. Honesty, trust, awareness, and respect are pillars of a great community. As a small and close-knit school, Brandeis has the rare opportunity to include many voices in its decision-making process.
It is possible that the decision will not change. Nonetheless, by allowing the community to join in the process, the community will not only become more informed as to what is happening on campus, but the administration will be more informed as to how the community feels about campus safety issues.
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Eric Pekar
posted 10/16/07 @ 10:49 AM EST
You DID NOT have permission to print my article. This article was edited past the point where I wanted to put my name. I hope you can take it down soon. (Continued…)
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