Interim President's Message Re: Assaults

["President's Office" <auemail@groupwise1.duc.auburn.edu>]

July 12, 2001

Dear Members of the Auburn Community,

Since early April, there have been three instances of sexual assault
against women on the Auburn University campus.  One of those incidents
occurred at the College of Veterinary Medicine and the other two on the
main campus -- one near Cater Hall and the other adjacent to the South
Hill dormitories.  Each time, the victim was attacked from behind by a
white male in his late 20s to mid 30s.  In at least one of the attacks,
he claimed that he was armed.

It is important that each of you be aware of these facts.  My purpose
in sharing them is to inform, not to alarm.

I want also to assure you that this administration assigns the highest
priority to the safety of our students, faculty and staff.  Whoever
preys upon Auburn women is not only scarring them physically and
emotionally, but also tearing at the fabric of the open environment for
learning which we work so hard to maintain.  I am fully aware of the
fears and frustrations that currently exist on the part of  those who go
to school and work here, and also on the part of their loved ones.

It is my intention that we put a stop to these attacks.  To that end, I
met recently with the chiefs of both the campus police and the Auburn
City Police, and impressed upon them the importance of solving these
crimes and preventing their recurrence.  I feel confident in the steps
that they are taking to achieve these objectives.

In addition to working closely with the Auburn City Police in the
investigation of these crimes, the campus police has stepped up its
patrols, putting extra cruisers and bicycle policemen on the streets. 
Through 2 a.m., escorts are available through our campus shuttle service
for those who request them.  After 2 a.m., the campus police will be
happy to serve as escorts.  I have also directed our Office of
Administrative Services to investigate and alleviate any lighting
inadequacies that exist on campus.  

In addition, the Office of Student Affairs is briefing parents and
students at Camp War Eagle and working very hard to see that every
student, every faculty member and every staff member on campus is aware
of the situation and that they are educated to report suspicious persons
or activities to the authorities.  I urge every person on campus to
share with  Student Affairs or Campus Police any information that may
help us to deal with this problem.
						
The university is also committed to making everyone aware of
precautions that may prevent an attack, as well as the resources that
exist on campus and within the Auburn-Opelika community to support women
who are attacked.   These resources include our Student Counseling
Services' Safe Harbor program (844-5123) and, for emergency needs, Rape
Counselors of East Alabama (741-0707; emergency pager number is
745-8634).   Safe Harbor provides free advocacy and confidential
counseling services for students who are victims of sexual assaults.  
RCEA provides advocates who will accompany victims to medical
examinations or to the police, or both.  The Crisis Center Hotline
(821-6600) is also available to provide referrals for victims.

Please be aware that it is critical that medical attention be received
within 72 hours of an attack.

It is my belief that education and information are vital to our
successful response to these attacks.  I urge you to share this email
with others who may not have access to it, and to contact Student
Affairs, Student Counseling Services or Safe Harbor with questions you
might have.  At the same, I want to assure each of you that I share in
your concern and your sense of outrage, and that I will not rest until
this threat to our campus and our community has been resolved.

Sincerely,

William F. Walker
Interim President