Editorial: Schools take safety steps

From The Lookout Staff

The shooting tragedy at Michigan State University on Feb. 13 left people in the Greater Lansing area with shockwaves to process through and a new feeling of uneasiness.

No one had thought something so sinister could be so close, and left a lot of people frightened to go into school or work the following day. Both MSU and LCC responded immediately to the assault, with both announcing that campuses would be shut down Feb. 14.

Although this relieved many students, many were still not assuaged. The ease of which the mass murderer was able to roam around the MSU campus left students frightened of a copycat, and for their safety, on both campuses.

LCC sprung into action. By the time students arrived back on campus on Feb. 15, LCC had already reinforced security measures to ensure that students could feel safe. Now, all doors are locked and must be opened with a StarCard to enter.

Even for programs like massage and dental, which have patients coming into LCC every day, the doors remain locked. Patients now are required to be on a list to get in. If they are not, entrance is not permitted.

Furthermore, LCC police patrol the campus to ensure nothing is out of the ordinary.

MSU, which was closed until Feb. 20, announced new safety measures March 1.

Similarly to LCC’s procedure, more doors will be locked and inaccessible without a college ID on MSU’s campus. MSU also announced it will install a new lock system on classrooms and other doors. Furthermore, it will increase cameras on campus and require every student, staff and faculty member to complete active intruder training.

Healing takes time. For those still needing someone to talk to, LCC offers free counseling services. Information is available here. Students can also call 988 for crisis support 24 hours a day.