Recent incidents on the University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill campus have highlighted the excessive use of force by campus police to suppress pro-Palestinian protests. Videos show violent altercations and pepper-spraying of demonstrators, leading to widespread condemnation from local councils and calls to protect free speech.
These events underscore a broader issue of campus police militarization, which has failed to make campuses safer. The focus on police presence rather than addressing root causes of violence has led to situations where students and faculty feel unsafe and confused during active shooter situations.
Furthermore, universities like UNC Chapel Hill are diverting funds from diversity, equity, and inclusion programs to bolster campus police forces, despite evidence showing that increased police presence does not decrease crime rates but disproportionately targets marginalized groups.
To truly ensure campus safety, institutions must prioritize prevention programs, mental health support, and creating inclusive environments rather than relying on police as the sole solution.
The current trend of prioritizing police presence over holistic safety measures is not addressing the underlying issues on college campuses and is contributing to a culture of fear and violence rather than safety.