The Beacon RUN HIDE FIGHT THE STUDENT VOICE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND SINCE 1935 October 8, 2015 • Volume 118 • Issue 6 • upbeacon.com By Katie Dunn THE BEACON
Students reminded of UP’s active shooter policy following tragedy at UCC.
PHOTO BY THE BEACON
University of Portland Weapons Policy:
It’s been a week since a lone gunman opened fire on Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon killing 10, including himself, and injuring another seven. Planning for statistically unlikely events like this has become a part of life for campus security forces across the country, including at UP. “We think this happens in other places in the world, and here it is in Oregon,” Director of Public Safety Gerry Gregg said. “It’s terrible.” Gregg said students should be aware that there is a recommended procedure that the UP community would be advised to follow in this kind of situation. There are three recommended options depending on the situation: Run – Hide – Fight. Gregg specifically asked The Beacon to publish the link to a video that students should watch, “Shots Fired on Campus.” Students can access the video by signing into their Pilots accounts. Fr. Mark Poorman sent out an email regarding the University’s procedures after the event noting the
seriousness of the safety of the University. He also said plans are being reviewed so “that we are as prepared as we can possibly be.” In the case of an active shooter on campus, Poorman pointed out that procedures in place can be found on the Public Safety web page, the Offices of Public Safety and Residence Life are regularly receiving training on how to respond to this type of incident and that the University is planning a larger training exercise, the date and other details of which haven’t yet been released. The Public Safety website recommends this protocol in this type of situation:
Student from Roseburg shares his story
IN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER EMERGENCY
Make a decision, trust your instincts, and take action to protect yourself to survive the situation. You generally will have three options: Run – Hide – Fight
RUN FOR SAFETY:
• Have an escape route and plan in mind. • If you can, and you deem
See Policy page 2
firearm or dangerous weapon (e.g., paintball guns, air-soft guns, archery sets, BB guns, Weapons do not have a place in the University pellet guns). of Portland community. The following actions Use of any object to threaten the safety of another individual or self, or to cause injury or are prohibited: harm to another individual or self. Possession or use of firearms, explosives, Note: These policies do not apply to those fireworks, or chemical agents such as involved in sanctioned ROTC training or Oleoresin Capsicum or Mace. Possession or use of a Taser or similar device. weapons worn as issued equipment by Public Possession or use of a pocket knife or non- Safety personnel. However, a weapons permit or other government-issued license does cooking utensil with a total blade length of not exempt individuals from the prohibitions 2.75 inches or greater. Possession of instruments or game equipment described above. The weapons policy can be found on page 41 of that look like or can be confused with a Life on the Bluff.
Photo cour tesy of Kai Seely
By Clare Duffy THE BEACON
Roseburg, Oregon is a community about 175 miles south of Portland with a population of only 22,000 — less than four percent of Portland’s. Last week, Roseburg was thrust into the national eye after a shooter opened fire at Umpqua Community College. As is often the case, the tragedy has sparked national conversation. But beneath the ensuing political debates, rumors and social media consolations, is a community still working to recover. UP Junior Kai Seely calls Roseburg home, along with 10 other students on campus. He emphasized the importance of remembering that there are real people behind the media coverage. He shared his experience this past week with The Beacon: How did you find out about the shootings? My mom actually texted me (Thursday) morning. She saw it on the news and she texted me, so then I checked news outlets on the Internet to figure out more about it. Did you know anyone who was involved? I didn’t know any of the victims directly. Well, I played basketball with one of the kids once or twice. But, it’s such a small town that you know somebody who knows somebody. One of the victims was the sister of one of the kids I graduated high school with. You’re all connected somehow in such a small community. What did you hear from friends and family who live there? How are they doing? At first, it’s really hard for everybody to deal with. My family is a little bit removed because none of my family
See UCC page 4