My daughter didn't go to school today

[Melanie_]

Last week, someone noticed graffiti in a bathroom stall at the University of Winnipeg, saying they were going to shoot up the campus September 26 (today). The University went public with this information, and added extra security measures yesterday and today. Some measures will continue into next week. Students were all given the option of not coming to classes today, and I heard that only about 30% of students were on campus – my daughter chose to stay at home. I asked her if she thought she was any safer on any other day, but she didn’t have much of an answer for that.

U of W

There has been some controversy about whether or not the U of W should have put out the information, and what kinds of preventative measures they should take. Is it just feeding in to someone’s need for excitement, or attention? If there are ongoing threats, should the same measures be taken every time?

I teach on another large campus here in Winnipeg, and I’ve been thinking about security a lot. If there were a nutcase somewhere, there really is no efficient way to get the message out to classrooms. I’ve started to toy with the idea of keeping my classroom door locked during classtime, but that just feels a bit paranoid (although it might prompt students to get to class on time more often).

How should the threat of campus violence be handled by colleges and universities?

[Leafless]

How should the threat of campus violence be handled by colleges and universities?

The type of violence you are talking about is equivalent to that a death threat.

The perpetrator or perpetrators should be treated with a bullet to the back of the head.

[geoffrey]

The type of violence you are talking about is equivalent to that a death threat.

The perpetrator or perpetrators should be treated with a bullet to the back of the head.

I wonder if anyone else see's the irony in that post?

[jdobbin]

Last week, someone noticed graffiti in a bathroom stall at the University of Winnipeg, saying they were going to shoot up the campus September 26 (today). The University went public with this information, and added extra security measures yesterday and today. Some measures will continue into next week. Students were all given the option of not coming to classes today, and I heard that only about 30% of students were on campus – my daughter chose to stay at home. I asked her if she thought she was any safer on any other day, but she didn’t have much of an answer for that.

My folks have a class at the University tomorrow. They are considering whether to go not.

Axworthy was caught between keeping people informed and increasing security and keeping the university open and not giving into threats.

It should be noted that security changes has been made to the locking systems of the University of Winnipeg months ago to improve security. It is the first campus in Canada to do this. Security was also increased prior to this threat as well.

Bag checks may become a permanent feature of the University of Winnipeg now.

No security threat can be completely overcome but Axworthy has probably done more to improve security at university campuses than anywhere in Canada including Dawson College.

[geoffrey]

UofC has emergency text message notification. Pretty neat. Would be really effective IMO if needed.

[Guest American Woman]

Whenever there is a bomb threat at a school, the school closes down. Is it different at a university? I don't know. But I do know that it's now a very serious offense to call in a bomb threat to a school. I think it's a felony. Is it treated as seriously in Canada?

The point about not being any less safe than on any other day is a good one since I have to seriously question whether someone who was truly intent on "shooting up the campus" would actually give a warning ahead ot time. Probably, with the extra security, that was one of the safest days to be on campus.

[guyser]

I wonder if anyone else see's the irony in that post?

Oh you can be sure of that , well with the particular exception of one.

As for the OP, who knows, it can be a crap shoot anytime we step out the door. The likelihood is that anyone planning harm doesnt post in on a bathroom stall.

I can assume she drives to school or has a car. The risks associated far outweigh a threat from a bathroom.

Please do not think I make light of your daughters safety , it is just that risk management is something we do all the time.

Edited September 27, 2007 by guyser

[ScottSA]

The U of W is a hotbed of radical feminism, leftist insanity and a haven for second rate art fags. There's a real university out Fort Garry way...why don't they solve all the problems and shut down U of W lest some Islamofascist decide he's horny and blow it up? Then raze it and sow the site with salt.

[Guest coot]

The U of W is a hotbed of radical feminism, leftist insanity and a haven for second rate art fags. There's a real university out Fort Garry way...why don't they solve all the problems and shut down U of W lest some Islamofascist decide he's horny and blow it up? Then raze it and sow the site with salt.

I'm glad to see the intelligence level of your posts is improving. Way to go. Pretty soon you'll be as good as Leafless.

[FTA Lawyer]

The type of violence you are talking about is equivalent to that a death threat.

The perpetrator or perpetrators should be treated with a bullet to the back of the head.

Death for threatening death...makes perfect sense.

[guyser]

The U of W is a hotbed of radical feminism, leftist insanity and a haven for second rate art fags.

What year did they declare you academically ineligible?

[Melanie_]

I agree, Guyser, risk management is something we all do everyday. I think U of W was probably a safer place to be today than it will be next week, or next month, or whenever someone decides to do something without announcing it first. I guess my question really is, how much attention do we need to pay to someone who seems to be intent on stirring the pot, and isn't actually going to follow through on a threat? Do students simply stay home on a regular basis, or do they become blase about security threats, and brush them off as if there is nothing to worry about? And how do you distinguish real risks from the empty threats of someone who just didn't study for their exam? I don't want to be the one making that call, but at the same time I don't want to have constant disruptions to students' education.

I like the idea of the text messaging system. I'd like to see something like that at my work.

[guyser]

. I guess my question really is, how much attention do we need to pay to someone who seems to be intent on stirring the pot, and isn't actually going to follow through on a threat? Do students simply stay home on a regular basis, or do they become blase about security threats, and brush them off as if there is nothing to worry about? And how do you distinguish real risks from the empty threats of someone who just didn't study for their exam? I don't want to be the one making that call, but at the same time I don't want to have constant disruptions to students' education.

Ultimately one can only carry on and go to school work etc. Of course those paid to worry should, the campus cops and the local cops , thats their job to do.

The students need to be alert for anything, but not paranoid . That will only lead to false allegations.

Considering the low risk factor , far exceeded by jumping in the car to go to the mall, one can just go out and get to class.

Text alerts ? I suppose they are some good, but pretty much after the fact for the most part. I really dont think getting a text about a bomb two minutes after I hear a loud bang is going to do anyone any good.

[jdobbin]

Text alerts ? I suppose they are some good, but pretty much after the fact for the most part. I really dont think getting a text about a bomb two minutes after I hear a loud bang is going to do anyone any good.

I think that is why the University of Winnipeg is trying to stop threats before they happen. The new door locking system is now able to control access to every door in the building and record who uses their pass to open doors. Campus security patrols go off campus to ensure safety. Several doors that can't be properly monitored are being closed to filter more traffic through areas that are covered by security cameras. Bag checks might eventually be a permanent feature of going to school as they are in going to Disney parks or the airport.

[ScottSA]

What year did they declare you academically ineligible?

I never asked the U of W to rate me. No doubt I would have failed the U of W's criteria of mudpacked dreadlocks, glazed eyes, and "I want to fellate Che" T shirt, but I went to a real university in the south end of town, where I managed to eek out an honours degree, first class, in spite of my obvious academic unsuitability. Then it was off to Ottawa to put some distance between me and the odour drifting south from Portage Avenue...

Edited September 27, 2007 by ScottSA

[Guest coot]

I never asked the U of W to rate me. No doubt I would have failed the U of W's criteria of mudpacked dreadlocks, glazed eyes, and "I want to fellate Che" T shirt, but I went to a real university in the south end of town, where I managed to eek out an honours degree, first class, in spite of my obvious academic unsuitability.

Why would you hijack a thread to spew brainless stereotypes and try to impress us with claims of your academic achievement? Do you feel inadequate because your university consistently ranks dead-last in the Maclean’s university survey? First class isn't so impressive in the context of worst class.

[ScottSA]

Why would you hijack a thread to spew brainless stereotypes and try to impress us with claims of your academic achievement? Do you feel inadequate because your university consistently ranks dead-last in the Maclean’s university survey? First class isn't so impressive in the context of worst class.

Thanks for strengthening my point...U of W isn't even on that list! Besides, the list addressed averages, not top achievers. So solly, try again. Would you like me to start boasting about graduate studies in a university even Macleans in all its journalistic wisdom can't diss next? It seems to irk you a tad. *Dancing around* "I'm educated an' yer not! Har, har, eh wot?"

[Leafless]

Death for threatening death...makes perfect sense.

It does make sense as obviously the system is to lax in many areas and needs drastic surgery in order to impress respect for law and order.

What do you suggest, a big Liberal group hug?

[Guest coot]

Thanks for strengthening my point...U of W isn't even on that list! Besides, the list addressed averages, not top achievers. So solly, try again. Would you like me to start boasting about graduate studies in a university even Macleans in all its journalistic wisdom can't diss next? It seems to irk you a tad. *Dancing around* "I'm educated an' yer not! Har, har, eh wot?"

I'm certain everyone from whatever school you attend would be mortified if you identified it.

[Guest coot]

It does make sense as obviously the system is to lax in many areas and needs drastic surgery in order to impress respect for law and order.

But how do you put a bullet in the head of an anonymous person who has written on a bathroom wall? Nobody knows who did it. That's the thing.

Your solution doesn't even make sense.

[ScottSA]

I'm certain everyone from whatever school you attend would be mortified if you identified it.

Oh good one!

[Leafless]

But how do you put a bullet in the head of an anonymous person who has written on a bathroom wall? Nobody knows who did it. That's the thing.

Your solution doesn't even make sense.

Obviously this would be after the fact, with the suspect apprehended and proven to be the killer. They don't deserve any kind of a trial.

I see murders of this sort an act of terrorism on an educational institution and is something that cannot or should not be tolerated by society.

Edited September 28, 2007 by Leafless

[Melanie_]

It was an empty threat, Leafless, no one was killed. I'm not sure if you were suggesting the death penalty be applied to those who actually carry through on the threat, or those who simply make the threat.

[Leafless]

It was an empty threat, Leafless, no one was killed. I'm not sure if you were suggesting the death penalty be applied to those who actually carry through on the threat, or those who simply make the threat.

Now your not making sense.

How do you know for certain that a threat of this kind is a hollow threat. Maybe no one was killed because of the publicity around the threat, but could be carried out at a later time. Who knows for certain.

The point is, a threat of this nature is extremely serious, and if the perpetrator of this threat is found out prior to any shooting should be considered guilty of pre-planned terrorism on a public institution and automatically given a life sentence or even death.

Why give a individual of this nature the benefit of any doubt?

Edited September 28, 2007 by Leafless

[Melanie_]

Of course no one knew before hand if someone was going to follow through or not - that was part of the purpose of this thread. I'm just trying to figure out what you meant by this:

Obviously this would be after the fact, with the suspect apprehended and proven to be the killer. They don't deserve any kind of a trial.

Are you saying we should kill people who make threats, whether they actually follow through or not? Apparently so.

The point is, a threat of this nature is extremely serious, and if the perpetrator of this threat is found out prior to any shooting should be considered guilty of pre-planned terrorism on a public institution and automatically given a life sentence or even death.

While I'm all for stopping terrorism, I don't think its a good idea to kill people for essentially running their mouths off. By that logic, there are several posters here who wouldn't stand a chance.