Safe Walk program should be expanded off-campus

TO THE EDITOR:

I read Christian Yoder’s editorial regarding the SafeWalk program and its deficiencies (“Viewpoints: Safe Walk,” Jan. 20). For the most part, I agree; $11,000 to $20,000 seems a ridiculous amount of money to employ 25 students and give them reflective vests.

I was also shocked to read that intoxicated students are not walked and off-campus locations are not covered; a drunken or off-campus student likely has the greatest need for a safe way home. Besides, not all off-campus locations have the blue light system and aren’t as well lit.

The program’s intention is good, but if student government wants to invest in a campus safety program, it should consider forming a program like Duke’s (yes, Duke’s) Safe Rides program.

As its Web site states, “Safe Rides … provides an alternative to walking alone or in isolated areas of campus … Safe Rides provides Duke employees and students with no cost on-demand van service to campus areas, and certain off-campus areas, from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.”

It seems like $20,000 could afford a few cars and some gas money to get students home safely, no matter what their BAC or location.



Elizabeth Mundee-Barket
Senior
English