Columbus, OH – In light of Monday’s tragic events at Virginia Tech, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has asked Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut to establish a Task Force on Campus Security to review campus safety plans and ensure that Ohio’s public colleges and universities are using safety best practices.
“We have a responsibility to Ohio students, their families and our communities to use the tragic events at Virginia Tech as an opportunity to reexamine campus safety issues in Ohio,” Strickland said. “This task force will begin a discussion across institutions, and make sure that state government is offering the maximum amount of support to the schools as well as coordinating with local efforts.”
Fingerhut will ask all public colleges and universities, as well as independent institutions that wish to participate, to designate a representative to the task force. While the work of the task force will evolve throughout the process, the discussion will begin with communication and response planning to violent events, as well as the role of campus administrators and public safety officers in such situations.
“There is no doubt that our colleges and universities have and continue to put forth every effort to ensure a safe environment for students,” Fingerhut said. “This task force will work to enhance those efforts and ensure adequate preparation and support for any unexpected and emergency situations on campus.”
Fingerhut asks that the names of college and university representatives be submitted to the chancellor’s office by April 23.