2008 Woodie Awards
Virginia tragedy prompts reflection
By: Kevin Huelsmann
Issue date: 4/19/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 2 next >
On the morning of April 16, as students were heading to their morning classes at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va., Cho Seung-Hui, a 23-year-old senior at the school, went on a rampage, killing 32 people and then turning the gun on himself.
The incident was the deadliest shooting at a university in American history. The shooting sent shockwaves through the Virginia Tech community and throughout the entire country.
In an April 17 letter to the university, Webster University President Richard Meyers addressed the incident and how Webster would handle a similar situation if it were to occur.
"The shocking and tragic events that took place yesterday at Virginia Tech University are nearly impossible to comprehend," Meyers wrote. "I know every member of our Webster University community is grieving for the victims, their families and their friends as well as for the students who survived and all members of the Virginia Tech community."
Meyers said the incident at Virginia Tech spurred talks about Webster's current policies concerning emergency situations.
"This morning, we have been in contact with our local law enforcement officials to set up a meeting to review our existing emergency plans and procedures and make adjustments, if needed, based on yesterday's incident in Virginia," Meyers said. "We are also seeking input on the best way to reach students, faculty and staff during an emergency, given today's technology and individual communication preferences."
A pamphlet from the Public Safety office titled "Emergency Response Guide" contains Webster's current recommendations for a situation involving an armed intruder on campus (see box, page 1).
The pamphlet warns, "If you are caught in the open, you must decide what you will do. This is a crucial decision and can mean life or death."
It goes on to suggest hiding, running or playing dead as possible tactics to evade an armed intruder.
The incident was the deadliest shooting at a university in American history. The shooting sent shockwaves through the Virginia Tech community and throughout the entire country.
In an April 17 letter to the university, Webster University President Richard Meyers addressed the incident and how Webster would handle a similar situation if it were to occur.
"The shocking and tragic events that took place yesterday at Virginia Tech University are nearly impossible to comprehend," Meyers wrote. "I know every member of our Webster University community is grieving for the victims, their families and their friends as well as for the students who survived and all members of the Virginia Tech community."
Meyers said the incident at Virginia Tech spurred talks about Webster's current policies concerning emergency situations.
"This morning, we have been in contact with our local law enforcement officials to set up a meeting to review our existing emergency plans and procedures and make adjustments, if needed, based on yesterday's incident in Virginia," Meyers said. "We are also seeking input on the best way to reach students, faculty and staff during an emergency, given today's technology and individual communication preferences."
A pamphlet from the Public Safety office titled "Emergency Response Guide" contains Webster's current recommendations for a situation involving an armed intruder on campus (see box, page 1).
The pamphlet warns, "If you are caught in the open, you must decide what you will do. This is a crucial decision and can mean life or death."
It goes on to suggest hiding, running or playing dead as possible tactics to evade an armed intruder.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Steve Beutel
posted 4/21/07 @ 4:11 PM CST
After hearing of these attacks, I had hoped President Meyers would address the issue and how we as a Webster community could be pro-active in such a cirumstance. (Continued…)
Post a Comment