It seems as though many people are forgetting some important things about DeKalb these past few weeks. In order to refresh your memories, let me remind you that homecoming weekend last year was a pretty violent time. There were several assaults, both on campus and in the city of DeKalb. If you have been living under a rock since the semester started, there have also been several assaults and robberies occurring this year. It is no new discovery that with large crowds and alcohol consumption there is generally an increase in crime and violent activity. The police are well aware of this. I’m surprised some students and DeKalb residents are not. I personally applaud all departments, university, local and state, for their proactive efforts to deter any criminal activity or violence by showing a presence and responding to incidents. As a Caucasian, I have also been to both Java 101 and The House Cafe. Neither establishment has primarily African American patrons, but instead serves a diverse group of people and it is unfair to say police have “no regard for the lives of black people.” Its no coincidence homecoming weekend experienced less crime this year than previous years: the police had an effect.

Ben Gilbert
Senior, political science

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