Campus Safety Is Focus Of Senate Hearing

HARRISBURG – During a public hearing held at the Capitol today, members of the Senate Education Committee questioned higher education officials about the status of their campus security plans and encouraged them to continue to share information with one another about any improvements needed to make their campuses as safe as possible.

The hearing comes in the aftermath of the Virginia Tech tragedy, which has sparked public concern regarding security on college and university campuses.

"Our hearts go out to the victims of this senseless violence, to their families, and to the students at Virginia Tech who have returned to classrooms scarred by the memories of that awful day," said committee chairman James J. Rhoades (R-29). "In Pennsylvania, the question that we need to ask is whether we have done everything possible to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring here."

Committee members urged all of the Commonwealth's colleges and universities to review their campus security plans and recommend any improvements.

"We wanted to provide a forum for representatives of the Commonwealth's colleges and universities to talk about their campus security systems, and discuss any improvements they might suggest," said Rhoades.

Rhoades noted that he was impressed by the detail of the campus security plans that witnesses discussed but encouraged each of them to conduct a regular review to ensure that the plans are designed to meet changing threats and circumstances.

"There is nothing more important that student safety," said Rhoades. "The hearing today reminds all of us that safety is a product of vigilance."

Witnesses at the hearing included representatives of Pennsylvania's community colleges, the State System of Higher Education, state-related universities and private and independent colleges.

Senator James J. Rhoades' Remarks (PDF)
Public Hearing Agenda (PDF)