The Commentator

Issue date: 12/6/04 Section: Editorials/Op-Ed

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Is there a volunteer willing to serve as a martyr for the security of the student body on the Wilf campus? Because it seems that's exactly what the university is waiting for before it takes its security situation seriously. Recently, many were shocked to learn of the mugging that occurred in the lobby of 475 W. 186th street (and another in the lobby of 495 W. 185th Street). But what was even more shocking was how students found out about the incident. Most students were first informed when they picked up a copy of The Commentator almost two weeks after the unfortunate event. Some students, though, even students living in the 475 building itself, still do not know about the incident, and are shocked when they do find out.

An appropriate response by Yeshiva's administration to the November 1st crime should have been a mass e-mail informing the student body of the incident, assuring them that the school would fully investigate the incident, and would implement appropriate security changes in the near future. Instead, what the students actually received was a defensive President at the Town Hall meeting and a number of unanswered questions.

The problem, however, is not limited to this "isolated incident," as Department of Safety and Security Chief Don Sommers called it. There are a number of potentially dangerous situations that exist for students. Even if security were to be perfect in and around all the buildings on campus, what about parking on campus? Ask any student who keeps a car in the Heights during the week and does not wish to pay the parking garage fees that rival most monthly apartment rental fees, and you'll hear many horror stories.

Parking five blocks away in the middle of the night sound familiar? It's a common one. And a dangerous one. How can the school guarantee student security on 190th in between St. Nicholas and Audobon? There have been complaints about parking for years, but it's more than a convenience issue. A yarmulke and an expensive car is a walking bull's-eye. Where's the parking garage?

Even for the student without a car on campus, what about security to, from, and especially, in, the subway station? It's not an uncommon mode of transportation for students, but when you turn the corner at St. Nicholas, it's every man for himself. And even when you reach the station, your worries are just beginning. The 181st station has the luxury of no staircases, just elevators, and especially now that the elevators are unmanned more often than not, where's the preventative measures? There's no police presence on the platforms. There's no cell phone service either. What happens when you're alone down there and a real security need arises? Is there even video surveillance of the platforms? There should be.

Beyond the crime issues, what about general student safety, i.e. crossing Amsterdam Avenue? The lights are unbearably long, and the local drivers either need another driving test or just enjoy putting the pedal to the metal when students are in plain sight. There have been a number of pedestrians struck over the years, and yet there have been no changes. Is it because no one's been hurt seriously? I hope not. Why isn't Amsterdam Avenue closed to local traffic during school hours? There should at least be speed bumps to limit aggressive driving!

Yeshiva should use the recent mugging incident as an early warning shot. The administration should not let the opportunity slip through their grasp. We need serious changes, and there's no time to waste. Sure, security now maintains a post on the corner of 186th between the hours of midnight and 8 AM, but why is there not a guard stationed in every IHP sanctioned building's lobby?

Granted, incidents will still occur. This is not Pleasantville. We live in the real world. But students need reassurance that the security team is doing the best job they can. We need actions, not reactions. Why wait for the first victim?

,i> Avi Levine is a Features Editor and can be reached at features@yucommentator.com

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