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This event cannot shock us into oblivion. We must show Grant’s resolve and remain devoted to our community. We can still take our late-night trips to Super America and venture out into the city, but we need to remember the proper precautions. Don’t walk late at night by yourself. It may be common sense, but it is often neglected because of impatience or an attitude of “It can’t happen to me.” College may be the place for independence, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

The community must be commended for their response to the crime. Hamline Safety and Security arrived at the scene almost immediately. Dean of Students Alan Sickbert visited Grant at the hospital that night. Sickbert arrived at Regions minutes after Grant’s parents, Jim and Marlene, who came from Stillwater. Eight of Grant’s Theta Chi brothers visited him at 2 a.m., including the fraternity’s president, Colin Schulte. President Linda Hanson called Will Grant’s hospital room on Thursday. When CLA Dean Garvin Davenport arrived on campus Thursday morning, he went to Sickbert’s office to check on the situation.

These responses are exactly what we need from our administration. It shows their collective commitment to our students and expresses a concern for our safety.

We cannot let an incident like this break our spirits. If we lock ourselves in our rooms to hide, we are conceding to criminals. At the same time, we must remember that Hamline University is not immune to crime.

Our campus is located within the city of Saint Paul and just because we have borders defning our campus does not mean that we are safe or invincible. Crime can and will penetrate the walls of our campus. What we as students need to do is be aware and practice precaution.

We have the opportunity to learn in a diverse city and culture. If we allow crime to hinder our experience we will not receive the education we set out to receive at Hamline. Learning takes place off-campus as well as on. Take advantage of the Twin Cities and surrounding area while keeping in mind that Hamline is not immune to crime.