By Laniesha David
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Recent shootings on college campuses and threats made to nearby colleges have caused some Camden County College students to worry about their safety.
A public safety vehicle sits on the campus. By Laniesha David, CCC Journalism Program
While some students said the incidents did not bother them, at least one student took them very seriously. Devon McGuigan decided not to attend two of her classes on Oct. 5, the day an online statement indicated violence would occur on a Philadelphia-area campus. The statement followed a shooting spree that killed 10 people at Umpqua Community College in Oregon on Oct. 1.
“I took all the necessary steps and precautions to make sure my life was not in danger on Monday,” said McGuigan, 20, a full-time student who attends classes on the Camden County College Blackwood campus on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
McGuigan said she and her mother were scared for her life and her mother advised her not to go to class on Oct. 5, so she decided not to attend her last two classes, which started around noon, the time the threats indicated the violence would occur.
Rachel Bradhan was among the students who attended class on Oct. 5 with no worries on their mind.
“I mean you know things like this happen all the time now. I guess this is something this generation is into … shooting up schools, but you know I was not the least bit worried. I’m not going to let something like this stop me from getting my education,” Bradhan said.
Camden County College public safety officials could not be reached for comment.