Face facts: The U campus is no longer safe at night A deadly shooting on the University of Minnesota campus underlines the increasing, and potentially deadly, threat facing students.
By Mason Thimjon Text size Copy shortlink:
On March 29, around 10:30 p.m., the sound of gunshots echoed among buildings that house thousands of University Minnesota students who call Dinkytown their home away from home. The deadly shooting occurred directly outside an apartment building I lived in for a year. Although the victim, may he rest in peace, was not a student, this violence is another reason for concern for anyone who lives near the area.
January 26, 2021
Last September, University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel announced a plan to conduct a comprehensive review of public safety on and around the Twin Cities campus to identify ways in which the values, practices and experiences of the campus community aligned with those of the University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD). The review was intended to identify areas where the University could make improvements to bring community expectations and UMPD actions closer together.
CL Alexander Consulting, led by Dr. Cedric Alexander, an expert in law enforcement with over 40 years in public safety, was selected to conduct the review. His work involved meeting with more than 200 University community members representing more than 30 organizations and groups. These conversations, along with input from online and written submissions, additional research and analysis, led to dozens of recommendations to further align UMPD and the campus community it has served for many y