DOVER — Following a weekend shooting incident, campus safety at Delaware State University was the focus during a roughly 40-minute virtual public forum on Tuesday morning.
The session resulted from two students being struck by gunfire early Saturday. Chief of Public Safety Bobby Cummings said investigation into the case continues.
University President Dr. Tony Allen said he had spoken with the injured students and they were doing well.
Regarding school safety, Dr. Allen said, “I think you all know that I believe strongly and I don’t overstate that we’re family and an event that affects the safety of one of us affects us all.
“So while there is certain anxiety and indignation, (I want to stress) that we are committed to creating and maintaining a safe campus environment.
“One the reasons that that is important to us is because of the students that come here trying to change the trajectory for themselves, their families and their communities.
“They do not need incidents like this occurring while they are trying to better themselves and we’re clear about that.”
While the university locks gates and conducts 100% check-ins after 5 p.m., Dr. Allen said, “The reality is that we are an open campus and there are multiple ways to get on the campus not unlike any over university in the country.”
As to the process of entering campus via a vehicle, Chief Cummings said, “We have a process as individuals drive on to campus through the main gate that we check IDs to verify who they are.
“Number one we’re looking for our student body to be able to enter and exit the campus as needed and then we try to because of our current status, visitors who do not belong we try to turn them away at this point.”
Dr. Allen pointed to more than 30 law enforcement and security professionals tasked with providing on-campus safety, along with 24-hour dispatch service and security cameras throughout campus as well.
Moving forward, Dr. Allen said, “There are some spots, most notably the basketball courts between the (Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center) and (Wellness and Recreation Center) where we will continue to increase security and make sure we have a watchful eye on all things that are happening at the university.
“That is not to stem any tide (as to) the vibrancy of the community but to make sure that the folks on this campus are folks that are affiliated with the university and are acting in a way that is important to maintain the elevation and profile of this great institution.”
Dr. Dawn Moseley, associate vice president of marketing and communications, urged parents to sign up for emergency alert messages at desu.edu while instructing how to navigate the process online.
Counselors were made available to students following the shooting and remained so as of Tuesday, officials said.
The university planned to send out another note Tuesday afternoon to inform students of ways to obtain any additional support and counseling support, officials said.
There is no curfew in place and none is being contemplated, officials said. While two campus entrances are without welcome centers, adding them is under consideration.
As is the case every year, officials said there would be a heavy security presence during the university’s homecoming activities on Oct. 29.
As Dr. Allen said, “There is no officer or security personnel at the university that is not active on campus in some way across our footprint.
“So in times of higher activity, the chief is very proactive with respect to bringing on additional law enforcement and security personnel professionals.
“You’ll see that as one instance, throughout the homecoming activities as well. ... We’ve actually upped the number of police and security professionals over the last year and a half under Chief Cummings’ leadership and will continue.”
While campus law enforcement officers don’t engage in full-time foot patrols to remain more mobile, there are contacts made while walking, Chief Cummings said.
Student reaction
Describing student reaction to the incident, Student Government Association President David Hawkins said, “I can say that a lot of students were extremely afraid when the event occurred. A lot of students weren’t really expecting to come onto campus and for anything like this to ever happen.
“I will say that it was a very dark period for the university and it has been very quiet ever since as far as like student engagement at the moment. Luckily ... we kept things moving forward and students are still being engaged.
“And me and my team, we’re keeping our ears to the ground of being as transparent as possible with them. This isn’t an incident that happens all the time. ... (and it) isn’t tolerated on this campus at all.
“And we’re continuing to reassure that them being at Delaware State University is the best decision for them to make and we’re keeping them safe.”
The incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. Saturday according to a university-issued alert at about 5:25 a.m. In a brief interview at around noon, spokesman Carlos Holmes said part of the alert — which stated four people had been injured — was not correct.
Also, a university daily crime and fire log report described an incident as, “Three students were struck by gunfire near the Wellness and Recreation Center and a Robbery was reported during the same time frame.”
The log described the incident as a first-degree assault and robbery case occurring between 1:15 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
The suspects were described by Dr. Allen as “out-of-campus violators that got onto our campus and caused significant concern for us, and it certainly doesn’t sit well with any of us at the university.”
The incident is being investigated as a possible robbery, Chief Cummings said.
Chief Cummings said the ongoing investigation included speaking with students who may have information, reviewing video and analyzing evidence collected. State and federal resources are aiding the probe, he said. Anonymous tips can be called into 302-857-7918.
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