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Regis prof: more security no answer to VA Tech

Contributed by: Sally Spencer-Thomas on 4/25/2007

As a professor at Regis University in Denver and an expert in campus violence, I can say confidently that campus communities are never going to have as their number one priority a standard of lock-down safety.

Campuses work because they are open communities that emphasize free thinking and independence. Let's try to retain these values that help develop our scholars and citizens and be mindful of the fact that schools remain one of the safest places for people to be.

It is easy for us to sit back and judge those who responded. However, colleges and universities cannot be thrown into a military-style lock down on a moment's notice. Institutions of higher education thrive because we are welcoming places. People don't go around expecting the worst every moment-doing this would seriously deter from a learning environment.

The truth is, people don't want to admit that life is frightening, and no matter what we do, there is ultimately no guarantee. That's hard to take. But the flip side is that we are pretty amazing; instead of living in utter fear all the time, we live with positive outlooks and kindness in our hearts.

Over the last several years, I have taken a long, hard look at theories and research about the cause of shootings like those at Virginia Tech. The explanations do not satisfy me. While I understand looking for answers is a natural part of the human response to trauma, I also believe the barrage of criticism can be very harmful to the healing process of the survivors at this time.

Trauma survivors are already torturing themselves with endless second guessing. What the Virginia Tech community needs now is a wide embrace of love, support, and encouragement. Like we have seen from the tightly knit communities of Littleton and Bailey here in Colorado, the sense of a healing solidarity is clearly evident on the Virginia Tech campus. Every image on the media shows groups of students holding on to each other, holding each other up, all the time proudly wearing their college sweatshirts, t-shirts, and hats. Belongingness is critical at this time as they try to make meaning and move forward. Let them find the needed refuge in their faith communities, residence halls, student associations, and classrooms.

Rather than ask "who is to blame" those of us at the wider circles of impact can ask instead "what can I do to help this situation?"

Let's look for ways to pull together and offer love and practical assistance to those impacted. Our country historically responds well immediately after a crisis, but once the fanfare dies down, the victims are left to wonder, "Where did everyone go?" Hopefully, we can learn from this in a way that promotes wisdom rather than perpetrates blame. Hopefully, we can continue to lend a hand of hope and compassion to those in Blacksburg long after the cameras turn their lenses to the next tragedy. Let's continue to listen to how we may best serve.

Sally Spencer-Thomas is the Director of Leadership and Behavioral Health at Regis University. She co-authored the book "Violence Goes to College" and is an expert on leadership, suicide prevention and violence in K-12 schools as well as college campuses.



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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

John Eisel

Denver , COLORADO

John Eisel has posted 2865 stories and 12 comments since joining on 9/14/2005. John Eisel's average story rating is 4.39.
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