Editorial: USD and AppArmor aim for safer campus
USD is implementing a new system in student safety by pairing up with AppArmor to create an app that acts as a hand-held blue light.
While many of us may like to think that this university is a safe haven, the reality is that it is not. Frankly, we live in a world that seems to be increasing in lack of safety. Going to the movies or to school can result in a mass causality so easily. A Tinder date can go from innocent catfish to a Dateline story in the blink of an eye.
In the past, a topic of conversation on campus has been a dissatisfaction with the number of blue lights. Blue lights are located at various spots around campus as a sort of beacon for help in a time of need. However, because these blue lights are far and few, this is where AppArmor comes in – at this time, a team consisting of the IT department, the University Police Department, marketing, student services and students have been assembled to tailor the app specifically for this university, which lends a hand in settling some students’ worries.
What USD aims to do with AppArmor is inspire good bystander behaviors among students. But beyond that, the app is aiming to help ease the worries that some students face. In the light of recent events, it only makes sense that students should want some extra safety measures taken.
Yes, walking with a friend at night is a viable safety precaution. So is carrying pepper spray or a stun gun, but sometimes these precautions are not always feasible means for safety. Sometimes a companion for one’s walk back to the dorms isn’t on hand and pepper spray and stun guns can potentially be taken away by assailants.
In past years, the Student Government Association have walked around campus with the University Police Department for a safety walk. During these walks, students are given an opportunity to express their safety concerns to UPD officers.
With the sexual assault allegation just reported yesterday, it seems even more important that USD takes these concerns to heart. This is why we should be grateful that the university has paired with AppArmor to create this safety app.
The world is a scary place. There’s no denying that, but the fact that USD is hearing a concern and being proactive is just the change this campus needs. The goal of this app is a release before Dakota Days, which would admittedly come at the perfect time.
While nothing can ever totally calm student’s unease – especially in the wake of an assault – this app may help calm the nerves of the anxious masses.
