Auburn, as a city and a university takes pride in being a safe place for those who live there. However, in the last month, we've seen The Loveliest Village become full of extreme violence and danger, which is becoming concerning.
Just a few weeks ago, shots were fired near Toomer’s Corner, and although no one was hurt, the university failed to issue a warning, allowing the incident to fly under the radar. Despite occurring off campus, this situation was obviously a threat to students, who line the streets of downtown Auburn on weekends. It should have been addressed.
Beyond the recent chain of violence in the area, the new semester has seen a high rate of reported druggings. Auburn’s Department of Campus Safety and Security released a statement on this issue in late August, revealing that such incidents took place at “various on-campus and off-campus locations.” The statement provides directions on how individuals should respond if they suspect they have been drugged, and concludes with a reminder that the involuntary administration of drugs “is considered aggravated assault.”
Though its advice is appreciated and sadly necessary, the release has a key shortcoming — it includes no context on the location of these druggings. Even if legal barriers prevent the disclosure of exact times and places, the university could have divulged the areas and the type of venues where these incidents occurred.
In this case, perhaps fewer students would need the instructions in the second half of the warning.
Prevention should be a top priority.
Similarly, on Aug. 27, an AU Alert was released that simply read, “Heavy Police presence at RBD Library. Please avoid the area.” This message is needlessly cryptic, making no attempt at an explanation. Such ambiguity must have struck fear in parents and students alike.
For all they knew, this could have meant something as serious as an active threat to life on campus. On the other hand, it could have been a mere precaution. Only after the matter was settled did the university send out a second alert specifying that a false report had been made “of a possible threat on campus.”
Saying this forthright in the first warning would have given everyone a clearer understanding of the matter at hand, allowing them to react accordingly and avoid unnecessary panic. The initial omission of detail implies a sort of negligence or ignorance from the university and does nothing to preserve Auburn’s reputation as a safe school.
The student body and greater community are aware that these sorts of episodes occasionally happen and would prefer honesty when they do.
The university, however cannot be blamed for the presence of danger in the community, which is unavoidable anywhere. Students and Auburn-Opelika residents must take measures to protect themselves.
The murder of Dr. Schnuelle is a harrowing reminder that no one, even the most physically capable of us, is safe alone. When in public, therefore, it is ideal to stay near populated areas or, if this is not possible, to travel in groups.
It’s been less than two weeks since Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, a retired Auburn professor of Veterinary Medicine, was murdered in broad daylight by an individual with no clear motive. The homicide took place at Kiesel Park, where Dr. Schnuelle regularly walked her dog and where students frequently hike, picnic and enjoy the natural scenery.
Kiesel’s peaceful image was unraveled by one senseless act, which highlights the sad fact that safety risks exist everywhere, even in a generally secure, tight-knit community like Auburn.
Further, when using rideshare services such as Uber, individuals should verify that their driver knows their name before entering the vehicle to ensure the ride’s legitimacy. Additionally, if forced to Uber alone, one should at the very least call and share their location with a trusted friend, who can act quickly if something goes awry.
Auburn’s Campus Safety and Security website lists some of the university’s immediate safety resources, including the Auburn Safety app, as well as some cautionary advice for a variety of situations that students may find themselves in. While we understand the police are under a lot of strain at the moment, parks services are installing new security features in the parks.
Auburn also offers a course called PHED 2200, Self Defense for Women, which provides “a comprehensive program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women that promotes awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance with a progression to hands-on training and simulation exercises.” Although it’s frightening to imagine oneself in a position where self-defense is necessary, it’s best — and potentially lifesaving — to be prepared if the time ever comes.
Lastly, the Auburn community as a whole is responsible for maintaining the well-being of our members. It is well known that multiple downtown hotspots have been on the wrong end of controversy. In 2023, for example, the owner of Skybar was arrested for Sexual Misconduct due to an inappropriate interaction he had with a customer.
This does not mean that people should stop going to bars, but that they may otherwise be at risk. Bad things happen, so it is crucial that each of us keeps a watchful eye and speaks out when necessary; it could save another from serious harm. Let us all affirm the Auburn Creed’s belief in the human touch, “which cultivates sympathy… and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.”
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The editorial board for fall 2025 consists of: Emma Miller, Rachel Swan, Brychelle Brooks, Ally Northridge, Ella Walton, Luca Flores, Sam Bainter, Jennifer Santiago, Amanda Machamer, Estela Muñoz, Jackie Dominguez, Reid Farris, Rory Garvin, Mia Stamey, Landi Rutlidge and Chase Morgese
