WHEREAS, The primary mission of community colleges is to foster safe and secure environments that provide educational opportunities and empower students with valuable life skills;
WHEREAS, Recent incidents of harassment, gun scares, and other safety concerns have raised alarm among students, parents, and faculty, urging a reevaluation of current campus safety measures [1];
WHEREAS, The implementation of blue light emergency boxes would offer immediate access to emergency assistance, allowing students to call for help with the push of a button, significantly reducing response times and enhancing on-campus safety [2][3]; and
WHEREAS, Institutions such as California State University, Bakersfield, and Cuesta College have successfully integrated blue light emergency systems into their safety
protocols, demonstrating the effectiveness of such measures in promoting a secure learning environment [4][5][6][7]; Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate that the installation of blue light emergency boxes be prioritized across all community college campuses, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and lower visibility during evening hours, such as parking lots and building entrances;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate that the installation of these blue light emergency boxes serves not only as a safety measure but also as a reinforcement of the community colleges’ commitment to fostering an environment where students can confidently engage in campus activities, including late-night study sessions, enhancing academic success and student well-being; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate that this resolution be forwarded to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and relevant safety committees at each campus for implementation.
Citations
[1]https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/campus-life/college-safety/annual-security-report/2024/index.html
[2}https://preptoolkit.fema.gov/documents/353969/1355967/Emergency+Blue+Li…
[3] https://www.axon.com/resources/blue-emergency-phones#
[5] https://www.csub.edu/police/_files/erg.pdf
[6]https://businessaffairs.ufl.edu/news/multiple-departments-come-together…- bluelight-phones/
[7] https://www.cuesta.edu/emergency/Emergency-Blue-Light-Phones.html