University campuses all over Canada have an issue with assault. And with four assaults on its campus in one week, it has become apparent that York University has a serious assault problem.
The university administration took a big step this week when the president sent an email to students openly admitting that there is a problem and something more must be done.
The president also said it will begin working with Toronto Police and will also host a town hall for people to voice their concerns.
For some time now, York has only been providing band-aid solutions. Even by increasing spending on safety through more lights and emergency buttons, the assaults have continued to happen. The amount of money being spent on safety is not enough. The campus is large, and according to students, even increased lighting and patrols still do not properly cover the entire campus.
Improvements cannot be temporary. They cannot be minimal. And they must deal with all aspects of the problem from increased lighting, to a more thorough shuttle service, and education and awareness on assault for the entire community.
A partnership between campus security and Toronto Police is incredibly vital. Police should be patrolling campus, and campus security should be working in the Village, the private off-campus housing development located right next to campus. Regardless of jurisdiction, this partnership must happen to its fullest ensure the safety of students.
It is quite upsetting that the situation had to become so severe in order for the York administration to take serious action. It is difficult to understand what took York so long. However, the administration is on the right track.
