Staff Editorial: Too much confusion

Until last week, the vast majority of Penn community members were unaware of the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of David Dantzler-Wolfe. Aside from seeing his picture on posters around campus, the Wharton junior's peers and professors knew little about the search that began on Dec. 10 and still presses on. Then came word that Dantzler-Wolfe was under investigation by the Penn Police at the time of his disappearance. While that does not change the fact that he is still missing and should not displace the importance of finding him, it does complicate the matter. Bringing Dantzler-Wolfe back to campus safely is the Penn Police Department's highest priority, and rightfully so. If doing so requires University officials and police officers to remain silent in order to maintain the security of their investigation, that is also perfectly understandable. However, comments made last week by Special Services Director Pat Brennan have seemingly contributed to the confusion surrounding the investigation and the search. When asked about the status of the search, Brennan responded by saying that Dantzler-Wolfe is "not on our campus." She then added, "He's not a threat to our community." Brennan did not want to comment any further on the matter. But in leaving the community with that statement, she has allowed many people on campus to make their own inferences about the status of the search. Her comments may also be perpetuating the fear of abduction that students have mentioned in recent weeks. Under no circumstances should the Penn Police sacrifice the confidentiality of its investigation and search. But we feel that at the very least, police officials owe the Penn community some clarification on last week's vague comments. A well-informed community can stop false rumors from being spread and allay unwarranted fears. It might even help the Penn Police in this unfortunate search.

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