The Department of Public Safety (DPS) hosted its annual safety fair last week, transforming Howard University’s Yard into a hub of tents, discussions and safety resources.
The fair on Aug. 22 brought students, staff and community members together to learn about emergency preparedness, personal safety and support services on and off campus. This year’s fair folded against the backdrop of a heightened federal law enforcement presence around Washington, D.C..
Cadet Rachel Dawson from DPS, stationed off-campus, said there are many resources for students such as the Office of Student Advocacy, Office of Interpersonal Violence and WHUR 96.3.
She said DPS is focusing more on vehicle safety since there have been more car-break-ins, especially at night. Dawson added that nightlife is hectic and stressed that students need to be aware of their surroundings while being open to trying and seeing new things.
Oreoluwa Atoyebi, junior psychology major and community health minor from Stratford, Connecticut, appreciated the POM devices being handed at the fair because it assures her that Howard is enforcing life-saving measures, she said.
Atoyebi added that she believes students should make more of an effort to look out for each other.
“My biggest safety concern around campus is the amount of access that locals have to our campus. Despite this being a private university, it is a public campus,” Atoyebi said.
Daymion Winfrey, sophomore political science major from Talladega, Alabama, also expressed concerns on how public the campus is.
“I would look at closing the campus off because we are an open campus anyone can walk on. We’ve seen different attacks on different universities across the country this past year. We should take preventive measures to make sure students are safe,” Winfrey said.
Jessica Anderson is a supervisor in D.C. Victim Hotline, a 24/7 call, chat, and text hotline service for victims.
“We provide emotional support and can dispatch sexual assault advocacy and forensic nurse examiners service for victims who have been victimized sexually and/or intimate partner violence,” she said.
Anderson said the hotline is open to everyone in the city.
“All the time but more so right now, with the climate of D.C., we really want everyone to know that this is a free service to any citizen of the city. We are here to provide support and resources regardless of the experience,” she added.
The fair went beyond safety, also featuring entertainment. One hour before the event ended, SHOWTIME marching band and Bisonettes electrified the atmosphere with rhythms and soaring melodies.
Title IX Director Angie Logan-Pope informed students about the office’s role, which includes responding to reports of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment and stalking. She said the office is always available by email, phone and appointment and responds to reports within 24–48 hours.
“We try to do events like this: show that we are people, show that we are active in the community,” she said. “We do tabling and go into the residence halls, talk to different student groups and try to have lots of infographics on our website and around campus. We are hoping to reach students that are hesitant to contact our office that way.”
Copy Edited by D’Nyah Jefferson – Philmore
