The Red and Black

Issue date: 4/14/08 Section: Opinions

UGA Alert flawed

If threats to an event at Ramsey didn't elicit use of alert system, what will?

The University canceled Alpha Phi Alpha's Pajama Jam 2008 Saturday because of multiple violent threats. Although police have not yet disclosed how many or what kind of threats were involved, rumors suggested bomb threats and a possible threat of shooting.

The event was scheduled to take place at the volleyball arena in Ramsey, but the center stayed open and UGA Alert remained idle.

We understand the dangers of the boy who cried wolf, but what about those of the boy who never cried at all?

University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson said UGA Alert was not used because the threat was "isolated."

The Red & Black editorial board, however, thinks a threat involving the Ramsey Student Center, East Campus Village and more than 1,200 confirmed guests hardly qualifies as isolated.

As the University quickly informed the student body via e-mail of a shooting on Baxter Street unrelated to campus, we wonder why an incident involving several violent threats to an on-campus location didn't elicit an e-mail of its own.

We're glad the University took the threats seriously and canceled the party, but we think it needed to take more initiative to inform the University community of the potential danger.

Using the alert system sparingly is fine. Using it for practice runs while shushing it during true emergency situations does not benefit any of the students or faculty who signed up for the service.

We hope the University reevaluates its handling of UGA Alert before a truly crippling incident hits campus.

- Kelly Shaul for the editorial board

Prevent depression

Nuçi's Space hosts week of events to raise awareness of depression

Depression has affected many students at the University - directly or indirectly. If you haven't personally experienced depression, most likely you know someone who has.

Because suicide is most prevalent among university-age students, this is an issue every one of us should take notice of and help others who are suffering.

If you are depressed and/or thinking about suicide, we urge you to seek help. The University Counseling and Psychiatric Services is available to students who need to talk to someone. CAPS also offers an online self-assessment on its Web site if you prefer to take a small step.

If you have a friend or family member who is suffering from depression, we know it can be difficult to stick by your loved one. Sometimes, though, professional help along with continued support can be what is needed.

This week, Nuçi's Space is hosting its Third Annual Depression and Suicide Awareness Week, complete with events each day to raise awareness and remove the stigma that surrounds depression, as reported on page five of today's Red & Black.

We applaud the attempt to open community dialogue on this topic and hope centers, such as Nuçi's Space and CAPS, can help those in need to lessen the effects of depression and prevent suicide.

- Melanie McNeely for the editorial board

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