Trigger warning: This story contains descriptions of violence and may be triggering for viewers.
17 minutes. For 17 agonizing minutes, Laken Riley fought desperately for her life.
On February 22, 2024, nursing student Laken Riley was found dead in a wooded area on the Georgia University campus. While on her run, Riley was hunted down on the University of Georgia’s campus.
Riley is a tragic reminder of the vulnerabilities students face on campus. Her murder has reignited urgent conversations about campus safety, highlighting the need for better lighting, enhanced security measures, and accessible resources to protect students. According to CNN, police suspect that the murderer prevented Laken Riley from making a 911 call. The university had removed all of its blue light emergency call boxes in 2004. In a statement on February 27, UGA said they plan to reinstall some blue light call boxes and security cameras across campus, along with upgrades to lighting, added fencing, and an increase in security personnel.
As universities nationwide reevaluate their safety protocols, Laken’s story serves as a heartbreaking call to action for ensuring that no student feels unsafe while simply going about their daily routine.
This raises an essential question: how can we work together to ensure safety on campus? Here are some ways women can stay safe on campus.
- Increased Campus Security
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Typically, campus security patrols the grounds to ensure student safety. However, in less trafficked areas, such as the jogging paths where Riley was, a stronger security presence is crucial for maintaining safety. Regular patrols by security officers, particularly in high-risk areas, can serve as a deterrent to potential threats and provide students with a greater sense of security.
- Self-Defense Training
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Finding free or low-cost self-defense classes to help women feel more confident and empowered to protect themselves. By learning self-defense, it is key to making sure you stay safe. Safely’s summit showed students practical ways to stay safe, from basic self-defense techniques to the safety resources available on campus.
- Peer Escorts
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Providing an escort service for students walking alone, especially at night, or implementing a buddy system is also essential to ensure students aren’t left vulnerable in risky situations. This service could involve trained student volunteers or security personnel who accompany individuals from one location to another, offering reassurance and a safer path. The availability of these services would empower students to feel safer and more supported on campus.The tragedy of Laken Riley’s death serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for enhanced campus safety measures. From better lighting and increased security presence to accessible emergency resources and support systems, universities must prioritize the well-being of their students. It is vital that institutions take immediate, meaningful action to ensure no student faces such dangers alone. In the wake of Laken Riley’s death, people on TikTok began running for 17 minutes in her honor—the very length of time she fought for her life. This tribute symbolizes not only her struggle but also the strength and resilience she demonstrated in those final moments, serving as a poignant reminder that every life is worth protecting.