Letters to the Editor

Long-term security

To the Editor:

I am writing regarding the excellent column ("Can Phila. schools be saved?", DP, 1/23/06) and the article "President pledges $5 million to step up security."

It seems more than coincidental that these pieces appeared in the same issue. I commend the University for its concern for the student body, but I question the decision to throw more money at the problem of crime in the community.

No matter how many police Penn can put on the street, it will never begin to address the reasons for the crime here.

After working for three years in West Philly schools and making do with dilapidated facilities and teaching eighth-graders how to do long division, I am frustrated with the seemingly inevitable future of the West Philly community.

If the university can pull $5 million seemingly out of nowhere for security, I think they can look toward security in the long term future of the community by investing in every school in West Philly and University City instead of just a few select schools by which they can prop up for public relations.

I cannot recall how many times my encounters with program and school officials in the community has been followed by a plea for tutors from Penn. Its not a matter of the University's ability to do it, it is just priorities.

Matt Impink

College junior

Crime happens

To the Editor:

Steven, do you understand the fact that Penn is located in a large urban setting that we who live here like to call a "city?" Do you also realize that in these urban areas that I referred to as "cities," there is a much greater risk of being a victim of violence than in a suburban setting?

I hope for your sake you knew these crucial facts before applying to Penn. The girl who was shot recently was the victim of a drive-by shooting not intended to harm her or any other students.

Would you have liked a security guard to have been in the fraternity house? Should he have escorted her outside and dived in front of a bullet had the need arisen?

That would be about the only thing that could have saved her from getting hit in the leg by a stray bullet. Hmmm ... maybe Penn should implement a system where a member of security escorts each student to and from classes, parties, etc.

In all seriousness, it's not Penn's fault that a few students and faculty are the victims of violent acts each year. They offer many services should students need them.

Every student has the opportunity to call 215-898-WALK to have a member of security walk with them any time they feel like it. In closing, security cannot be everywhere. Violence will happen.

Get over it.

Rob Shank

College sophomore

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