Students Shielded from Violence, Reality
By Claire KenkelThe assailant abandoned the shadows of the trash bins as a woman entered the parking lot accompanied only by a bag of trash. On Oct. 23, before the sun had even set in Omaha, a routine garbage outing turned into a sexual assault. According to the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, an attack such as this occurs every 45 seconds in the U.S.
"I'm not that concerned with safety," said junior Sally McGill in a joking manner.
Unfortunately, this is the attitude that characterizes many Marian students. Perhaps this is the result of a school environment that generally shields girls from weapons, drugs, and violence in school. Many students are unaware of and therefore unprepared for threats that occur outside of Marian. They do not have to confront the fact that in the 1997-98 school year, 253,000 students ages 12 to 18 were victims of serious crimes, such as rape and robbery, at school, according to an Oct. 26 Omaha World Herald article.
Students feel assured of the safety of their property, as well as themselves, inside the walls of Marian. The relaxed atmosphere is obvious to anyone who would walk down the halls and notice the lack of locks on the lockers. This sense of security comes from a few subtle but effective methods.
Marian's newest security tactic came in November of 1999 with the installation of a camera security system. Visitors are required to enter through the main doors on the North side of the building where they can be monitored by the office. All other points of entry are locked after 7:55 a.m.
"It's always better to be cautionary," said Ms. Elizabeth Kish, Head of School. "You have to know who's at your door." Ms. Kish hopes to avoid disturbances from solicitors, non-custodial parents, and unwelcome boyfriends.
"I feel safe because we have security guards," said sophomore Katie Kelsey. Mr. Wayne Downie and Mr. J.B. Marian patrol the parking lot from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m. The two men have been a part of the security system at Marian for close to 10 years. Although it may seem that the guards are primarily concerned with regulating parking and issuing tickets, they are also there to keep an eye out for intruders and have had to call the police on past occasions.
"Everything has been going pretty smoothly this year. We havenUt had any major problems in the parking lot," said Mr. Downie.
Marian also has a crisis team and safety plan, as required by law, in case of an emergency. In most situations, a PA announcement would spread the news of a fire or lock down.
In regards to health safety, faculty and staff undergo a mandatory OSHA blood born pathogen training session every fall. Because students and staff are highly discouraged from getting another's blood on themselves, tourniquets and rubber gloves are located in the office, and all teachers are encouraged to keep first aid kits with rubber gloves in their classrooms. Other safety concerns of the administration include water bottles, food and medication at school.
Despite these safety precautions, some students see room for improvement. "We need to have lights in the parking lot for night and early morning, especially on the hill down to sophomore lot where there are trees," said senior Kristin McCabe. Many students come early for dance team or remain after school for sports and musical practice.
Ms. Kish argues that students should be moving cars as close to the school as possible after school and traveling in groups. "We had a safety audit last year during the day and night and there was never any mention of adding lights," said Ms. Kish. All students, unless under the supervision of a moderator, should be out of the school by 4:30 p.m.; this includes waiting outside of the school.
As for exhibitionists and vandalism in sophomore lot, Ms. Kish said, "There's nothing you can really do about people sneaking in the back way; it's very rare."
In today's society, safety must be at the forefront of women's issues. Although Marian has taken steps to create a safe environment for students, girls must realize that they have a choice between taking a proactive or reactive stance when it comes to protecting themselves.
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