Why has Bucknell decided to arm public safety officers now?
The subject of arming Bucknell’s public safety officers has been raised over the years, most recently during an intensive review in 2004, and has been a constant discussion point for colleges and universities nationwide for many years. The increase of violence on college and school campuses worldwide in recent years, but especially the tragic event that occurred at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, obligated the Board of Trustees to look carefully again at the need to arm public safety officers at Bucknell. After some reluctance and considerable deliberation, the Board has taken the step that it has concluded ensures it is doing everything it can to protect the safety and security of the campus community. See President Mitchell’s statement on the Board’s decision.
