Leaders from Alabama’s historically Black colleges and universities met recently with the head of state law enforcement to discuss how to make their campuses and communities safer.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor outlined with the schools several possible initiatives to increase campus safety, including: Safety assessments conducted by ALEA to identify possible vulnerabilities; grant opportunities to fund security upgrades; and joint training among state, local and campus law enforcement to improve coordination and readiness.
The meeting was organized by the HBCU Consortium to Advance Research and Economic Strength, a non-profit that represents the schools. It included Alabama State University President Quinton Ross and representatives from Tuskegee University, Miles College, Lawson State Community College, Trenholm State Community College, Stillman College, Talladega College, Shelton State Community College and Bishop State Community College.
“This meeting represents a vital moment in a collective effort to create safer, more secure learning environments for our students and faculty,” said Terri Sharpley Reynolds, an advisor and legal counsel for HBCU CARES. “By working collaboratively with ALEA and leveraging the resources discussed today, we can make a significant impact on the safety and resiliency of our campuses.”
A shooting last month during Tuskegee University homecoming celebrations left one person dead and more than a dozen injured. One man was arrested in connection to the shooting.
“As we navigate the challenges of ensuring safety within our educational environments, I am proud to be part of this collaborative effort with HBCU CARES and leaders from Alabama’s historically Black colleges and universities and community colleges,” Taylor said in a written statement to Alabama Daily News on Monday. “Our recent meeting was more than a discussion; it marked a decisive step towards creating safer campuses for all students and faculty.
“The initiatives we’ve outlined, including campus safety assessments and access to grant funding, are designed to empower these institutions and enable them to enhance their security measures. By working together, we can strengthen our community’s resilience and protect the future of our students.”