Thousands Call for Increased Security Measures at University of Georgia

ATHENS, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – In the wake of the tragic murder of Laken Riley on The University of Georgia’s campus, thousands of students and parents have come together to demand more security features to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.

A senior student, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed concerns about the lack of adequate lighting and emergency resources on campus, stating that it leaves individuals vulnerable to potential dangers, especially at night.

To address these concerns, the senior started a petition calling for the installation of emergency blue lights across the campus. Drawing inspiration from other universities like Emory and Georgia Tech, where such safety measures are already in place, the petition aims to provide a sense of security for the UGA community.

Within just 24 hours, the petition has garnered over 15,000 signatures, showcasing the widespread support for enhanced security measures.

While UGA was one of the first colleges in the country to install emergency blue lights back in 1988, they were later removed in 2004 due to low usage and cost-saving measures. However, the recent tragic incident has reignited the conversation around campus safety and the need for proactive security measures.

Chief Jeff Clark of UGA’s campus police department reassured the community that such incidents are rare at the university, with the last homicide occurring almost 30 years ago. Despite this, the demand for increased security remains high among students and parents.

In response to the petition and concerns raised by the community, UGA has outlined its commitment to enhancing safety measures on campus. This includes investing $16 million over the last eight years in hiring more police officers, installing security cameras, improving lighting, offering nightly rideshare programs, and developing a UGASafe app.

Moreover, the university has approved additional lighting improvements and security camera installations, with a promise to continuously evaluate and enhance safety programs for the well-being of everyone on campus.

The tragic events at UGA have sparked a renewed focus on campus safety and the importance of proactive security measures to prevent future incidents. The community’s united call for enhanced security features reflects their commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for all members of the UGA family.