The law enforcement veteran and InVest USA founder believes more universities, like the ones in Florida, should greenlight security improvements to keep students safe.
What’s happening in our colleges across the United States is crazy right now.
Over the past few months, we’ve seen several protests focusing on Palestine and the recent ICE deportation arrests, with many believing they have a right to be heard in a public space. But what they don’t seem to realize is that such protests could actually endanger innocent students simply trying to earn their academic achievements.
And what’s worse, this is leaving the door open for violent acts. For instance, a recent shooting took place at Florida State University, resulting in the injuries of five people.
Thankfully, police worked swiftly to apprehend the suspect, who was revealed to be the son of a local sheriff’s deputy. Another child looking to rebel against his dad, it seems.
So what can be done? Well, fortunately, President Donald Trump isn’t sleeping soundly on the issue. He’s already taken action against a number of college campuses, including the termination of unnecessary international visas and even taking away funding.
Obviously more work needs to be done. But it appears a number of colleges are stepping up to take action.
According to this report from Law Enforcement Today, three Florida universities are working with the federal government in an effort to deputize their officers in helping ICE with arresting illegal immigrants and criminals who happen to be on their campuses.
This is a big step forward when it comes to dealing with criminal types that may be using colleges as an excuse to stay within our borders. But my question is how can it be applied to take care of those that prefer to be unruly.
Of course, everyone has a right to an opinion. But I’ve seen a number of these protests get out of hand because these people will do whatever it takes to prove their point. That means get violent and, worse yet, try to fight back against police who are merely attempting to keep the peace.
And though we don’t know the motivations of the Florida State University shooter, the fact is that he had access to weapons, according to this CNN report. He was apparently “steeped in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office family and engaged in a number of training programs that we have, so it’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons.”
The truth is…this could be anyone. This could be any student who has parental ties and access to something like this, and puts chaos within their mind.
So while the ability for campus police to team up with ICE and detain illegal immigrants trying to wreak havoc at colleges across the U.S. is one thing, I can’t help but think recruiting more would make a difference. And, for that matter, allow them better connection with law enforcement so they can keep track of potential threats, like the young man who could’ve done so much worse before he was detained on Thursday afternoon.
It’s obviously a path that will take time. But it will be for the greater good of those who simply want to better themselves with an education. The last thing a college campus should be is any sort of battleground, be it for political reasons or a shooter with God knows what on his mind.
Here’s hoping we see the program happen, for the sake of overall safety. Those hard-working students definitely deserve it.
