By Jacob S. Mungal
CCC Journalism Program
School violence has been increasing across the country. From the Charlie Kirk killing to the school shooting in Colorado that occurred at the same time, the youth of America have been under attack.
Students at Camden County College are confronting a harsh reality, the fear that they could be the next victims of school violence. Today, the students are asking, “Are we safe on campus?”
Charlie Kirk, popular right-wing political commentator, was killed on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University. Ten minutes after Kirk was shot, a student at Evergreen High School in Denver opened fire on their classmates.
Students on the three main campuses in Cherry Hill, Blackwood and Camden have contrasting beliefs about their safety. When asked about whether they feel safe on campus, couple Rahsaan Condifm, 37, and Laurie Dorsey, 33, have different points of view.
“Yes, I do, I tend to fall back on myself, and being aware of my surroundings,” Condifm says. Condifm notes he grew up in Chicago and at a young age had to become more vigilant. When asked if he has ever been in a situation on campus where he felt unsafe, his response was, “Yes, I have.”
Dorsey does not have the same thoughts. “Anything can happen at any time, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. That’s why I prefer online classes,” she says. When asked about what she does to stay safe on campus, she says she prefers to stay close to Condifm. Dorsey also has children in public schools, and is “terrified” for their safety.
Marlon Fortuna, 20, has similar thoughts. Fortuna grew up in Pennsauken and goes to class primarily at the Camden campus. “Me personally, I rather stay off campus. When I transfer to Rowan my thoughts would remain the same.” Fortuna adds he prefers being around his friends when it comes to his safety.
Robert Doyle, the head of public safety at Camden County College, addresses the students’ growing concerns. “It is our primary focus to make sure that our students are in a safe working environment. We are an open campus, but we also have to make sure that our public safety department is mindful that there always could be a potential threat.”
The public safety tab on the Camden County College website lists a variety of services available to the students and staff of the college. “We’ll try to help them out and get them the appropriate resources,” says Doyle.
Doyle affirms all campuses are safe, yet students still fear life-changing events can strike in seconds. It is always important to be aware of your surroundings and put yourself in the best position in case a shooting happens on any of the main three campuses.