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Indybay Feature

Women Safety on SSU Campus

by Chrissy Pierce
Why is our money not going to beneficial safety precautions?
When it comes to Women, we all have a subconscious fear of being the prey of an attacker. Walking with our heads constantly on a swivel, taking the safest route home, parking close to our destination, or walking in brightly lit areas are only some of the safety precautions we take daily. However, while at school, on a University campus, women should not have to feel fear, we should feel as if it is our home away from home. Being a Senior here at Sonoma State University and a 24 year old women, I have never felt more afraid on any campus as I do at Sonoma. Enrolled in an Investigative Sociology course, I chose to give out 300 surveys to the women on campus asking detailed questions about how safe they may or may not feel. The responses show that, 80% of the women rated Sonoma to be a very dark and scary campus at night. Areas such as the pond in the north area of campus, parking lots, and secluded classrooms were ranked as being the number one areas that force fear upon women.

According to the University’s Annual Crime Report of 2014, showed within the last 3 years there being an increase in assaults on campus. During the current year of 2016, there has been eight reported sexual assaults on campus/campus housing and one current homicide case located near one of the most secluded parking lots on campus.


As money raised for Sonoma State is going to things such as a 12-foot by 24-foot digital screen costing $340,000, while there are still areas on campus which need a lighting system to provide a more safe environment. Students here at Sonoma are wondering why such money is being wasted on things for entertainment rather than our safety! If half the money put into the big screen was put towards better lighting, increased campus security or a functioning Blue Light System, I can assure the assault rates will decrease drastically along with our fear as women! Help Sonoma State University become as beautiful and lit as our Green Music Center!

Christina Pierce
Sonoma State University Senior
Sociology Major
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