The annual crime report for the 2018 year was released this month by Lipscomb’s Office of Security and Safety.
The report shows that there was one reported rape on campus last year and that the criminal activity of burglary in on-campus housing had increased from one report in 2017 to five reports in 2018.
The one reported rape on campus is alleged to have occurred in September 2018. The accused is former Lipscomb sophomore, Sam Salib. Salib was indicted by a grand jury in August on three counts of rape. (https://www.scoopnashville.com/2019/08/grand-jury-indicts-lipscomb-student-sam-salib-in-2018-rape-case/?fbclid=IwAR2YkwWQ_6BqE8oY12FLtgdVn0bocJK4HgJoUA0wssciJh_-ev2UyKBe02I) The report reported that there were no rapes on campus for 2017 and two for 2016.
“I feel safe on campus if security is there to protect me,” senior Bailie Fite said. “When I’m by myself, though, I feel like I’m on my own and if I report something, I feel like they’re (campus security) not going to do anything about it.”
In response to students who feel unsafe, Assistant Vice President of Public Relations and Communications Kim Chaudoin said, “Lipscomb Security and Safety has personnel on campus 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. If any student feels alone or in need of assistance, they only need to call 615-966-7600 to access one of our officers to assist them any time of the day or night.”
Fite also said that she feels unsafe at night in parking lots on campus because in her opinion they are poorly lit.
Chaudoin responded: “Lipscomb Security and Safety offers a Bison Walk service for anyone who feels unsafe or would like to have someone accompany them to or from their car, dorm or class. Each parking lot and garage is also equipped with blue light security services, which will automatically contact Lipscomb Security and Safety.”
Some students say they feel safe on campus but there may be a problem for some.
“I don’t feel like I’m endangered, but seeing the rape on the report is a little worrying for the women on campus,” said senior Joe Tata.
He added said he has seen problems with burglary in his dorm on campus in the last year.
“I haven’t always locked my door in my dorm, but last year one of my roommates got money stolen from our room,” Tata said. “Since then I’ve locked my dorm room every time I’ve left the dorm.”
The crime report also showed that the amount of disciplinary actions on campus in student housing facilities for liquor-law violations has risen each year for the last three years from four in 2016 to six in 2017 and seven in 2018.
“I think some students think it’s safer to consume it (alcohol) on campus since you would get in the same trouble off-campus according to Lipscomb rules,” senior Mark Sewkarran said.
“Consuming alcohol whether on or off-campus is in violation of the university code of conduct, and if an individual is under 21 it is also illegal according to Tennessee state law,” Chaudoin said. “As a faith-based institution, we hold our community to a higher standard of conduct that reflects the values of our Christian university.”
The annual crime report is released every year by most colleges and universities under the Clery Act. This act requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to maintain and disclose campus crime statistics and security information.
In addition to crime statistics, the report also included several tips and ways a student can decrease their chance of being in danger.
To read the full report on crime and the tips and ways to keep yourself safe on campus, click the document below.
Photo courtesy of Mckenzi Harris.