When Students Spoke Up Against Campus Police Patrols
The first letter in a selection of 7 letters written to the Board of Directors last fall on the issue of policing.
On the evening of September 30th, 2024, a diverse group of around 40 students gathered in the atrium of the Will Academic Center. They wrote letters to the Bethel Board of Directors expressing concern about or opposition to the recent policy change allowing police to patrol the campus. Students wanted to voice their concerns before the fall semester Board meetings.The following is the first in a collection of 7 letters, to be published over the next few weeks.
Read the Administration's justification for campus patrols, sent to the BC community before the letter writing event, here.
Read Wynn Goering’s response to those who wrote to him on this issue, sent on behalf of the Board of Directors, here.
These emails were sent prior to the Community Conversation hosted by the Office of Culture and Belonging, a summary of which can be found here.
They were also sent prior to the MOU between the North Newton Police Department and Bethel College, found here.
Is Bethel safe?
Dear Bethel Board of Directors,
My name is Jared ———. I’m a senior here at Bethel. I’m from Wichita. My major is business management. I’m a transfer student. The students on this campus have been concerned with the frequency of officers on campus. Specifically, the snooping and camping of cars around walkways and parking lots.
If you didn’t know already, this is a private institution of the Christian/Mennonite faith. From my understanding, this means that students should feel welcome and safe. As a black student athlete, I know that I stand out no matter what. I am obviously not the only black student on campus. Through years of police brutality, we’ve become desensitized to what we see in the news.
We are constantly watched and monitored as if we’re not welcome. When we see police on campus, we immediately enter a realm of fear. We start to question the way we walk, talk, and operate. We are concerned that we will become another statistic.
We are constantly watched and monitored as if we’re not welcome. When we see police on campus, we immediately enter a realm of fear. We start to question the way we walk, talk, and operate. We are concerned that we will become another statistic.
I’m a senior, but for some new students this is their first year on campus. If I was young, not from around this area and constantly watched by cops, I’d be extremely uncomfortable. This alone can cause students to leave, bringing down the retention rate. As a result, donors could see this and stop investing money into the school. In this economy, an already expensive school cannot afford a decrease in funds.
While safety is a top priority, an increase in “security” is not a complete solution. This is a method of fear mongering that stretches beyond just the black students on campus. All students are concerned.
Why are cops circling our campus like vultures when the department is across the street?
We have the cameras and emergency buttons on campus. We don’t need extra cops waiting for something to happen when there are far greater issues in this town and state.
Instead of focusing on monthly quotas and tickets, you should consider the largest cash flow in town: Bethel College students and supporters.
Use your critical thinking skills as best as you can. This is a new generation of mountain movers. We are different. More cops in one area does not equal safety. As of right now, it is instilling fear.
Change your mindset about our generation. We are Threshers. We are here to get a degree, chase our dreams, and change the world.
Thank you.