HOUSTON – A special symposium scheduled to be held at Texas Southern University aims to address challenges to campus safety.
The Urban Community Safety Symposium, Community Safety Reimagined – Technology, Policy, and Solutions, is scheduled to be held on May 20 at the Jesse H. Jones School of Business.
Recommended Videos
Dr. Howard Henderson is a professor of Justice Administration at Texas Southern University and is the Founding Director of the Center for Justice Research. Henderson says the symposium is not just about safety at TSU, but also about the Houston community as a whole.
“We are committed as a university to going beyond just our campus to address safety challenges collaboratively. We are actively seeking partnerships with area universities, community organizations, because we recognize as a university that the safety and well-being of our students or faculty and our neighbors are interconnected across Houston," he said.
Using recent tragedies such as the deadly shooting at Florida State University as an example, Henderson says there is no better time to have conversations on this topic.
“National data shows us that incidents of violence and threats to well-being really continue to impact higher education, making it essential that we work together to find solutions," he said.
Noting Texas Southern University has unique challenges due to its open and accessible environment, Henderson says technology and collaboration with other agencies and institutions is key to campus safety.
A challenge Henderson notes is maintaining the balance between preparedness and keeping an open and comfortable campus for students and faculty.
“Universities across the country are sort of under pressure to provide active violent incidents training and resources for students, faculty, and staff. While such training can empower individuals to respond effectively during a crisis, institutions must be careful not to, you know, re-traumatize their communities or create an atmosphere of fear and anxiety," he said.
Right now, a final list of those who will be invited to speak is still in the works, but Henderson says it will include legislators, education leaders, community leaders, law enforcement and research leaders.