BU community honors Va. Tech
<b>Candelight vigil marks one week after shootings</b>
By: Jenna Nierstedt
Posted: 4/24/07
Though many Boston University community members gathered last week at a candlelight vigil to remember the victims of the Virginia Tech shootings, a few students were not ready to let the flames extinguish just yet.
Late last week, those students organized another vigil for yesterday evening, in which about 50 students and staff came together again for prayer and the chance to express their emotions on Marsh Plaza.
Though the winds were too strong for most of the candles to remain lit, Rheanne Wirkkala, who helped organize the vigil, stood on the steps of Marsh Chapel and said the fact that the community had gathered again was just as meaningful as each candle burning.
"It's easy Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday when you constantly see it in the news to keep remembering, but we hope that people will remember a week later and a month later and a year later," the College of Arts and Sciences junior said afterward.
The crowd huddled together to try to block the wind from blowing out candles, as Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore jokingly asked Marsh Chapel dean Robert Hill to direct a prayer to calm the wind.
"Maybe in some way, I'd like to hope and think that the wind is moving down south to the good folks in Virginia, and maybe they'll hear our songs, smell the lit candle and know that we are thinking about them," Elmore said afterward.
Hill led a prayer calling for BU to "withstand what we can't understand" and "to offer ourselves for one another."
"How do we do something here that can resonate somewhere else," Elmore said, "and how do we also send a strong message to the world -- that we do matter and that we think other people matter?"
CAS junior Caitlyn Hessell expressed her feelings through a song she sang while playing guitar on the Marsh steps.
"Just seeing that some of the victims had everything taken away from them, it was just more intense knowing that I [have] this whole life ahead of me after graduation and that some of them didn't," Hessell said.
"When things are really bad and tragic, I think that people tend to really shine and be there for one another," she continued.
"I think that the biggest thing is to talk to one another, both in reflection and just in general, so that that kind of thing doesn't have to happen," Wirkkala said, "so that people on campus don't feel alienated and people do feel like they are part of a community."
Hill encouraged those who came to the vigil to sign a poster, where people could share their thoughts with the Virginia Tech community. The board has been receiving signatures for five days, and BU will send it to the Blacksburg, Va. campus within the next few days.
"The response of the community shows that Boston University continues to be a personal and caring environment," Hill said. "We try to respond with a sense of purpose and meaning."
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Original Source:<a href=http://media.www.dailyfreepress.com/media/storage/paper87/news/2007/04/24/News/Bu.Community.Honors.Va.Tech-2876853.shtml> The Daily Free Press - April 24, 2007</a>
Jenna Nierstedt
The Daily Free Press
2007-08-13
Sara Hood
Matt Negrin <editor@dailyfreepress.com>
eng
EDITORIAL: The need for gun control
By:Anonymous
Posted: 4/24/07
Many believed last week's Virginia Tech shootings would trigger immediate gun-control legislation from the Democrat-controlled Congress. But apparently, that won't be the case.
Rep. Michael Capuano seemed to represent the Democrat majority's attitude Monday when he said tackling gun control is "just not worth it," as reported by an April 23 Boston Globe article. He said although he would ideally like to support stricter gun-control laws, putting up a losing fight on such a divisive topic could be political suicide. Capuano added it would be a difficult battle because, when it comes to Congress, "the NRA has this place wrapped up." And most other Democrat leaders seem to agree.
But that doesn't mean the fight shouldn't be made. Some of this country's greatest societal changes came after long struggles. The United States entered a civil war in part to end slavery. Activists lost their lives fighting for civil rights in the 1960s. Gay marriage is an undying debate on Capitol Hill. Change is never easy.
The last time Democrats held a majority in Congress, they made headway on gun control. In 1994, President Clinton passed a federal ban on selling semi-automatic weapons. This ban expired in 2004 under a Republican Congress. Now that Democrats have regained dominance in the legislature, gun control should be championed again.
Many Republicans will see gun-control efforts as an irrational reaction to the Virginia Tech tragedy. Too much emphasis on the issue will appear as if Democrats are trying to take advantage of emotional circumstances to push their agenda.
But gun-control efforts are necessary even if they are reactionary. Politics are about responding to society's demands and addressing issues that need to be fixed. It cannot be stressed too often that April 16 was the worst shooting in U.S. history, and it should have been prevented. In 2005, a Virginia court determined Cho Seung-Hui to be mentally ill. Virginia law prevents people who are mentally ill from buying weapons, yet he still acquired the weapons that killed 32 people and himself.
Background checks must be more thorough for purchasing guns. There must be more strict limitations on what types of weapons can be bought. Such legislation may be reactionary, but it is appropriate. When 32 innocent people are murdered, Congress not only has the right to respond, it has the responsibility.
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Original Source:<a href=http://media.www.dailyfreepress.com/media/storage/paper87/news/2007/04/24/Opinion/Editorial.The.Need.For.Gun.Control-2876886.shtml> The Daily Free Press - April 24, 2007</a>
Anonymous
The Daily Free Press
2007-08-13
Sara Hood
Matt Negrin <editor@dailyfreepress.com>
eng
LETTER: Gun violence is what needs to be controlled
By:Daniel Ross
Posted: 4/24/07
"The Changing Gun Debate," an article written by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in response to the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech, can be found in the April 30 issue of Newsweek. I applaud his insight and his efforts; Mayor Bloomberg is leading an uphill battle against gun crime.
For as long I can remember, the gun debate has been about special interests -- on both sides. Our political leaders remind us that they are concerned about guns in America and either passionately advocate or decry gun regulation.
Our two parties are entrenched in this opposition. Sadly, this debate is far more about ideology and not at all about restoring the peace and safety of American homes, businesses and schools. Mayor Bloomberg proposes a middle ground that sidesteps the dogma of regulation. He intends to stop gun crime, and he is making measurable progress doing so. In the past six years, murders in New York City have dropped 40 percent.
Specifically, Bloomberg wants to stop crime perpetrated with illegally purchased guns. Although the Virginia Tech shooter legally purchased his weapons, most criminals do not. Most criminals who use guns purchase them illegally. "FBI statistics show that violent crime is on the rise across America," writes Bloomberg, and the weapon of choice is an illegal gun.
Unfortunately, our federal government is doing little to help the fight against illegal guns. In fact, Bloomberg says federal regulations prevent his police department and cities across the nation from using the resources they need to bust illegal gun dealers.
"Statistics show that 1 percent of dealers sell more than half of all illegal guns," Bloomberg said. In order to stop the sale of these weapons and keep them out of the hand of criminals, Bloomberg started a coalition called Mayors Against Illegal Guns. Now, more than 200 cities participate, sharing information about the sale of illegal guns.
Our national debate on guns must change. Following Bloomberg's example, our Federal government should aggressively combat the sale of illegal guns in America. It should share the information that local and state law enforcement officials need to stop gun crime.
Ultimately, a debate on gun crime cannot be one of ideology, but must be one of law enforcement. No matter how stringent or lenient the regulations our society places on legal gun ownership, the majority of criminals will still use illegal guns. Bloomberg supports law enforcement because he wants to stop gun crime.
Our leaders should stop concerning themselves with whether or not an average American citizen should be able to own guns: Our Constitution explicitly provides for gun ownership. Instead, our leaders must stop gun crime. The only way to stop gun crime in America is unequivocal, uncompromising support of law enforcement from the federal government and its agencies.
Let's follow Bloomberg's lead. With support for law enforcement, we can end the epidemic of gun crime in America.
Daniel Ross
CFA '10
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Original Source:<a href=http://media.www.dailyfreepress.com/media/storage/paper87/news/2007/04/24/Opinion/Letter.Gun.Violence.Is.What.Needs.To.Be.Controlled-2876897.shtml>The Daily Free Press - April 24, 2007</a>
Daniel Ross
The Daily Free Press
2007-08-13
Sara Hood
Matt Negrin <editor@dailyfreepress.com>
eng
After VT, Koreans prepare for backlash
By: Hannah McBride and Andrea Rodi
Posted: 4/25/07
Acknowledging cultural repercussions of last week's Virginia Tech shootings, Koreans at Boston University said they have been facing racial pressures as details have emerged about the killer, who came to the United States from South Korea when he was a child.
Although Koreans -- whose culture traditionally values community support -- initially did not know how to react to the Virginia Tech shootings, many agree they should not feel responsible for the actions of Virginia Tech senior Cho Seung-Hui and should not fear persecution when expressing their culture, said BU Korean Student Association Secretary Clara Pyo.
"Because it wasn't racism-driven, personally, we can be sorry that it happened, but we shouldn't feel responsible," she said.
Almost immediately after Cho shot and killed 27 students and five teachers before killing himself on the Blacksburg, Va. campus April 16, many Korean organizations -- in the United States and overseas -- prepared for racial backlash against them. Members of BU Asian groups say they have not received a backlash from their peers, and the shootings are not a reflection of their culture.
Nevertheless, KSA discussed taking extra precautions before its Korean cultural show, "Lost in Translation," on Saturday. Officers considered postponing the show, and the Student Activities Office offered to bolster security for it, but the group decided to continue with almost no changes.
"We didn't know if we should be afraid or if we should celebrate [our heritage]," said Pyo, a School of Education sophomore, "but we decided that if there was any hostility against us, we didn't want to be swayed by the incident."
In the wake of the shootings, the media can affect Americans' perceptions of Asians, said BU Asian Student Union President Lisa Tobari.
"[Media portrayal] impacts the way you behave and the way you see yourself," the College of Communication junior said. "[However,] the fact that [Cho] is Asian . . . hasn't really affected our identities as Asian people living in America."
In following traditional Korean values of taking responsibility in the community, some natives have taken the shootings personally and feel dismayed by them, Pyo said.
"It's not our job to apologize for his actions as Koreans," she said. "Not to say it wasn't a big deal, but we had nothing to do with it."
The Virginia Tech shootings are another point in history when a specific group of people felt at risk for racial discrimination in association with violence, said New England Korean News Editor-in-Chief Andy Min, who referenced the 1991 Rodney King incident, in which the black New York taxi driver was beaten by three white police officers and a Hispanic officer, sparking race riots.
"Some people worry that we're going to get hurt from other people because we're Korean and the killer was Korean," Min said.
For Korean immigrants like Cho, an American upbringing can conflict with Asian culture, which may leave children confused and isolated, Min said.
"The children don't know why they came," he said. "There's a trauma and a breakdown between where they came from and what they're adjusting to."
Trying to honor both American and Korean cultures in shows like "Lost in Translation," one of KSA's goals is to reconcile dual-heritage conflicts, Pyo said.
"[Korean Americans] have the struggle of being appreciative of Korean heritage and being Americanized," she said. "[The show is] mixing Korean heritage with what we have experienced growing up here."
Cultural student groups and other students have the responsibility to foster a sense of community for isolated students to avoid situations like the Virginia Tech shootings, Pyo said.
"Anyone that feels alone or alienated needs to find a group to join for community," she said. "I think that was really missing with [Cho]."
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Original Source:<a href=http://media.www.dailyfreepress.com/media/storage/paper87/news/2007/04/25/News/After.Vt.Koreans.Prepare.For.Backlash-2879775.shtml>The Daily Free Press - April 25, 2007</a>
Hannah McBride and Andrea Rodi
The Daily Free Press
2007-08-13
Sara Hood
Matt Negrin <editor@dailyfreepress.com>
eng
Council plans future preparedness meeting
By: Victoria Demaria
Posted: 4/26/07
More than a week after the worst shootings in U.S. history happened on the Virginia Tech campus, the Boston City Council decided yesterday to plan a future meeting to discuss emergency procedures at Boston's universities and hospitals.
"It made me realize we have hospitals that have huge campuses, [and] we have so many universities in the city," said Council President Maureen Feeney.
Feeney said the hearing will focus on the concept of unifying a system to contact people in the event of such an emergency, especially on large campuses with many buildings. Last Tuesday, the day after the April 16 shootings, local law enforcement agencies met with 19 area universities to address emergency protocols.
"Things like [the shootings] can happen at any point and at any time," said Councilor-at-Large Stephen Murphy. "It's a perfectly reasonable order for a hearing."
Councilor Michael Ross (Back Bay, Fenway) said the city's University Accountability Act requires colleges to track their off-campus students for such an emergency, which would hopefully avoid the troubles the Virginia Tech administration had contacting commuter students during the shootings.
Councilor Jerry McDermott (Allston, Brighton) suggested Virginia Tech officials may not have publicized news of the first shooting, in which the gunman killed two students in a residence hall nearly two hours before he killed 30 more in an academic building a half-mile away, for fear of marring the school's reputation.
"Put yourself in the place of an admissions officer," McDermott said. "You wouldn't want this information getting out."
McDermott said schools should not keep such information quiet and said the hearing should also investigate whether universities tend to suppress negative news.
"Schools need to let everyone know the good, the bad and the ugly," he said.
In other Council news, Councilor Rob Consalvo (Hyde Park, Roslindale) suggested Boston join the "national movement" of cities tackling the threat plastic shopping bags pose to the environment by holding a hearing in which councilors would consider several measures: either banning them, as San Francisco did, or taxing them, as Ireland did.
"They're extremely environmentally unfriendly, and they don't biodegrade," he said. "They're not recyclable, and they're a major source of trash and litter in Boston."
"People look at you like you have two heads if you ask for brown bags," added Councilor Salvatore LaMattina (East Boston, South End).
Taking a cue from the new Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change's first-ever hearing at the State House on Tuesday, Councilor-at-Large Felix Arroyo said it is time for Boston to join the fight against global warming, proposing a forum for Mayor Thomas Menino to discuss it with local businesses and organizations.
"The [Menino] administration has been out in front of the curve," Murphy said.
Murphy urged his fellow councilors to see former U.S. Vice President Al Gore's documentary about global warming, An Inconvenient Truth, a film he called "unbelievable" because it puts the seriousness of climate change into perspective.
Councilor-at-Large Michael Flaherty suggested City Hall turn out its lights during evenings to set an energy-saving example for the city.
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Original Source:<a href=http://media.www.dailyfreepress.com/media/storage/paper87/news/2007/04/26/News/Council.Plans.Future.Preparedness.Meeting-2883114.shtml> The Daily Free Press - April 26, 2007</a>
Victoria Demaria
The Daily Free Press
2007-08-13
Sara Hood
Matt Negrin <editor@dailyfreepress.com>
eng
BUPD to increase communication for campus safety
By: Lisa Davis
Posted: 4/27/07
Increasing communication in case of an emergency within the Boston University community will be a top priority for the BU Police Department for the next few months, officials said last night at a town hall meeting in the Student Village organized in response to the April 16 Virginia Tech shootings.
The BUPD will also be looking into all possible means of communication to stay in close contact with staff and students by using phones, email and text messaging, said BUPD Chief Thomas Robbins at the meeting, which was attended by one Student Village Resident Assistant in addition to a reporter and photographer for The Daily Free Press.
"In the case of a crisis, there would be various communications," Robbins said. "One way or another, in a crisis, we'll get the word out."
The community must be able to openly discuss public safety, which was the motivation behind holding the meeting, Robbins said along with Sgt. Jack St. Hilaire and Office of Residence Life Director David Zamojski.
The three BU officials stressed the importance of being aware of safety even when there is not a crisis at hand.
"Sometimes it comes down to just being aware of your surroundings," Robbins said, adding that those who ever think they need help off campus should call BUPD.
"In terms of safety, the avenue to bring that up is through a [Resident Assistant]," Robbins said. "It's about communication."
When BU administrators inform students about safety at freshman orientation, parents tend to pay close attention while students "glaze over," Robbins said.
"You should think ahead," Robbins said. "We are in the middle of a city, and that's what makes us great as a university."
Students should program the BUPD phone number into their cell phones, in addition to numbers of taxi companies, to ensure further security, Zamojski said.
The low turnout will not discourage the BUPD from holding more meetings on a regular basis, including one more before the semester ends, Robbins said.
"From the feedback I get from students, everyone feels safe here," Robbins said. "We are a safe campus. We're in a relatively safe part of the city."
Robbins said a town hall meeting format is the best way to discuss important issues with the community.
"If we don't know about it, we can't take action," he said of last night's topic -- "If you see something, say something."
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Original Source:<a href=http://media.www.dailyfreepress.com/media/storage/paper87/news/2007/04/27/News/Bupd-To.Increase.Communication.For.Campus.Safety-2885705.shtml> The Daily Free Press - April 27, 2007</a>
Lisa Davis
The Daily Free Press
2007-08-13
Sara Hood
Matt Negrin <editor@dailyfreepress.com>
eng
LETTER: Shooter didn't represent Korea
By: Don Lucas
Posted: 4/30/07
Two weeks ago, I was shocked once again when a maniac took so many innocent lives at Virginia Tech. I focused on the many news events that followed this tragedy in my home state.
I reflected on the campus, wrapped in such scenic beauty, where my many of my friends attended and later taught. Virginia Tech is a university in which many of my former students attended. It is also a university where my former students and I visited while teaching and performing music.
As I continued to watch the television coverage throughout the week, I had many reflections and feelings, including shock, outrage and compassion.
Late last week, officials posted a letter written by the sister of the murderer. Her words touched me very much. I felt her pain and hurt for those who suffered at the hands of her brother. I perceived her words to be most sincere and heartfelt. In a week of such tragedy, this is the moment that produced my tears. I couldn't help but think she didn't have to write that letter. But she did.
In the last ten years, I have had the opportunity to teach and perform music in South Korea on four occasions, most recently at Yonsei University in Seoul. During my first trip, I remember an older man looking me straight in the eyes and thanking me for the United States' intervention in his country years ago.
I am very proud of the United States' involvement in the Korean War. South Korea is a beautiful country, a beautiful culture and a beautiful people. The Daily Free Press's article ("After VT, Koreans prepare for backlash," April 25, p. 1) quite, and cited the Korean values of community support. I would like to add the values of courtesy and a great work ethic. At the end of the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Today, South Korea has the eighth-highest gross national product wordwide.
I read in a recent book by Lee Iacocca that of all international students recently rated in math and science, Korean students scored the highest.
The Virginia Tech killer did not reflect Korean values. But his sister did.
I also have been reflecting on many of the Korean students at Boston University whom I interact with on our campus. These students continually demonstrate an excellence with dignity and class.
I was so pleased to see written in the article that there have been no backlash incidents reported among the BU community. I am proud of our BU community in this regard.
It is understandable to regret when a tragedy has happened by persons from one's own culture. I have felt this many times as a U.S. citizen. I have also felt pride in the United States. But I hope the readers of the Free Press will join me in answering Clara Pyo and all the students of the Korean Student Association.
Yes, Pyo should celebrate, because her heritage, the heritage of South Korea, is still a proud heritage.
Don Lucas
Associate Professor of Music and Chairman, Brass, Woodwind, Percussion
College of Fine Arts
Don Lucas
The Daily Free Press
2007-08-13
Sara Hood
Matt Negrin <editor@dailyfreepress.com>
eng
Final Week: BU to review policies for campus security
<b>Emergency notification system a main goal</b>
By: Lisa Davis
Posted: 5/2/07
After Boston University felt the impact of several tragedies that brought into question the level of campus safety, officials say they will continue to review their safety policies and procedures, including ways to better reach the community in case of an emergency.
"These events are starting to highlight, not only on our campus, but on other campuses, this issue of personal safety and risky behavior in a broader context than people have thought about it before," said President Robert Brown in an April 27 interview.
Methods the BU Police Department uses to communicate emergency information to the community are important, said BUPD Chief Thomas Robbins, who added his department often reviews its procedures when a problem arises.
"How you communicate in different emergencies is different," Brown said. "There is not one size that fits all."
Robbins, who attended a Coffee and Conversation with the dean of students after the April 16 Virginia Tech shootings, said BUPD plans to add safety information for students to its website, similar to how BU launched a fire-safety website after the two deadly fires that killed three students Feb. 24 and March 16.
The day after the Virginia Tech shootings, in which senior Cho Seung-Hui killed 32 people before killing himself, BU formed a committee headed by Administration Vice President Peter Fiedler to review emergency and communication policies, Brown said.
"One of the things we put on the table was a blast communication system, which we do not have," he said. "People think that you can send 20,000 emails instantly. The fact is: It takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the technology you're using and how you do it."
In a town hall meeting last week, Robbins said he is considering the use of email and text messaging to contact the community in an emergency.
It is currently impossible to reach every community member at once because the BU registry does not require telephone numbers and email addresses, Brown said, adding the committee is considering a change to his policy changing this policy.
"The reasons you would like an emergency communication system are varied, and I don't think I would couple it just directly with the Virginia Tech shooter incident," he said.
After the two off-campus fires, inspectors visited residence halls and reviewed their fire-alarm procedures.
Brown said although it is important for BUPD to treat BU as a community, police must be trained to "deal with violent or disruptive acts that you'd find in any urban environment."
"I think the most important thing for us, which I've said many times, is that we have a truly professionally trained police force," Brown said.
BUPD trains with the Boston Police Department, and BUPD officers are official Boston police officers, Robbins said.
"One of the things we train on is how to deal with Columbine or Virginia Tech [incidents]," Robbins said. "I'm comfortable of our response we have."
BUPD works toward having its policies and standards match those of police and fire departments across the country through state and national accreditation, said BUPD spokesman Sgt. Jack St. Hilaire.
"We've always had a good relationship [with BU], and nothing has happened to change that," said BFD spokesman Steve MacDonald. "We're responsive when they bring things to our attention."
Boston Emergency Medical Response Chief Richard Serino said EMS has regular exercises in which Boston officials meet to discuss their responses to certain issues and to become familiar with each other. EMS held a meeting last week to address the best ways to respond to shootings, Serino said.
"I think that most colleges in Boston have well-trained, well-equipped public safety staff," Serino said. "We are on a lot of college campuses on a regular basis."
MacDonald said it is easier to deal with fires on campus than in off-campus apartment buildings because BU works closely with BFD.
"Usually, it works smoother from our end, dealing with the colleges and universities, because they have full-time staff who work 24 hours a day," he said.
BUPD, which announced last month it will revamp its methods, for analyzing a revamp in its methods for analyzing "hot spot" crime locations and how the officer force is divided into sections, will respond to any location on the Charles River and Medical campuses in two minutes or less, Robbins said.
"We have authority to stop all traffic, including trains," said Robbins, who served as the Massachusetts State Police superintendent before coming to BU in June 2006.
Although most parents are concerned about their child's safety, it is difficult for BU to hold students' attention about safety resources, Brown said.
"We will have changes in orientation next summer that are not reactionary," he said, "[but] that are trying to change behavior of students as they come into our community, and to make them aware of risks and choices they make."
The Charles River campus, which is situated along the traffic-heavy Commonwealth Avenue, can be a safety hazard to students who are not responsible pedestrians, Brown said.
"We should not have to instruct people on how to cross the street safely at the age of 18," he said.
There are no plans to change academic curricula to incorporate safety information, Brown said.
"The question is: What is the balance between personal responsibility and the university's responsibility?" Brown said.
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Original Source:<a href=http://media.www.dailyfreepress.com/media/storage/paper87/news/2007/05/02/News/Final.Week.Bu.To.Review.Policies.For.Campus.Security-2891718.shtml>The Daily Free Press - May 2, 2007</a>
Lisa Davis
2007-08-13
Sara Hood
Matt Negrin <editor@dailyfreepress.com>
eng
Emergency-Response Communications to Reach Phones
<b>President announces plans to improve system</b>
By: Lisa Davis
Posted: 5/18/07
Boston University will be prepared to contact almost all students and staff in emergencies this fall with a mass communications system that uses text messaging, voicemail and email, President Robert Brown announced Wednesday in an email sent to the community.
The "Send Word Now" system -- which uses all three message types -- was introduced to the campus this year to some extent, but it will be developed more over the summer, Brown said in the email.
"In light of the deadly tragedy at Virginia Tech University, we are reviewing Boston University's emergency response plans and communication systems to ensure that they are the best available," Brown said in the email.
The improved system would also notify response teams "within minutes" of an emergency, Brown said. In an email to The Daily Free Press, Brown said he expects the school would be able to contact everyone in less than 10 minutes.
Students are not required to register their cellphone numbers in the school directory, which is one flaw in reaching everyone in an emergency, Brown said in an April 27 interview. However, in his email to the community, Brown said incoming students will be required to register cellphone numbers or alternative contact numbers, and he encouraged current students to do so on the Student Link website.
"We will require the information for all students studying on our Boston campuses," Brown said in the email to the Free Press. "Otherwise, the system would only reach a fraction of our students."
The communications system "has been in place," said BU spokesman Colin Riley. "Texting is just one avenue of reaching people. We're trying to find the most effective system possible," he added.
The method was introduced about a year ago at a university meeting that addressed a possible avian flu outbreak, Riley said.
"This assessment is to ensure and reinforce our view that students' safety is our highest priority," Riley said. "The best that will come out of this is that everyone is aware, and the seriousness of these systems are recognized and appreciated. We're always looking to enhance communications with students."
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Original Source:<a href=http://media.www.dailyfreepress.com/media/storage/paper87/news/2007/05/18/News/EmergencyResponse.Communications.To.Reach.Phones-2905215.shtml>Daily Free Press - May 18, 2007</a>
Lisa Davis
Daily Free Press
2007-08-09
Sara Hood
Matt Negrin <editor@dailyfreepress.com>
eng
Massacre of 32 at Virginia Tech shocks alumni in MetroWest
By Danielle Williamson/Daily News staff
GHS
Tue Apr 17, 2007, 12:07 AM EDT
NO DATA - For Bill Saam, the slaughter yesterday at his alma mater resurrected the shock, sadness and anger he felt when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center.
"On a personal level, the feeling I had today was very much the way I felt on 9/11," said Saam, a Northborough resident and 1992 Virginia Tech graduate.
An active member of the college's alumni association, Saam was in touch yesterday with other classmates who struggled to comprehend the news.
"It's very much a tight-knit community," he said. "I hope no one from New England is directly affected by this."
Saam described Blacksburg as a "small, rural area."
"You don't hear about crime down there, never mind shootings," he said.
For Milford native Jim Pyne, a 1993 Virginia Tech graduate, yesterday's murders are a sad reflection on the state of society.
"We have people who fly planes into buildings ... and screwballs who have guns and shouldn't have them," said Pyne, a former professional football player. "It's the society we live in, and it's just despicable."
Pyne, who was an All-American at Virginia Tech and played nine seasons in the NFL, said he watched much of the news yesterday but "couldn't keep watching it. It doesn't seem real."
"I've been in all those buildings. I took classes there," Pyne said. "I feel for the parents of the 33 kids and I'm horrified about what happened and what it's like for them."
Peter Darby of Charlestown, who leads the New England chapter of Virginia Tech's alumni association, said the Boston area has 1,300 alumni, many of whom were in contact with each other yesterday.
"We're stunned just numb," Darby said.
For Waltham native Marcus Ly, the shootings were particularly difficult to comprehend.
"I called a lot of my friends in Blacksburg. They're all OK," said Ly, a Virginia Tech grad student speaking by phone yesterday from Minneapolis. "But it's just a lot of confusion, they don't really know anything more than we do reading the headlines."
A 1995 Waltham High School graduate, Ly finished a graduate school program in industrial and systems engineering at Virginia Tech last winter.
"It's really the equivalent of something like this happening in Weston," said Ly, trying to describe the town of Blacksburg, home to the 2,600-acre Virginia Tech campus. "It's one of the safest cities I've ever lived in and I've lived in a lot of cities."
Natick's Chris Mitchell, a junior at Virginia Tech, never imagined such horror could occur on the campus.
"It's a small town and a university where everybody knows everybody," Mitchell, an economics major, told WCVB-TV. "It's the last place where you'd think something like this would happen."
Newton resident Theodore Fritz recognized the buildings photographers captured throughout the day.
"I'm certainly transfixed here," said Fritz, a 1961 Virginia Tech graduate who watched television reports throughout the day.
A Boston University professor, the killings affected Fritz both as a college educator and a Virginia Tech alumnus.
"I think this probably could have happened anywhere," he said.
Danielle Williamson can be reached at 508-490-7475 or dwilliam@cnc.com. Daily News staff writers Albert Breer and Nicole Haley contributed to this story.
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Original Source:Framingham,MA - The MetroWest Daily News
<a href="http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/local_news/x1298126656">http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/local_news/x1298126656</a>
Licensed under <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0</a>.
Danielle Williamson/Daily News staff
2007-07-17
Na Mi
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0
eng