Morgan State University President David Wilson held a town hall meeting to discuss housing and announce plans for campus safety — especially as it concerns security efforts and police presence — Tuesday evening.
Wilson and multiple members of his executive staff reviewed the sequence of events during and after the shooting, shared details from the police investigation, reviewed upcoming security changes, and gave students and staff opportunities to voice their concerns during the town hall.
“I want to make sure that our students and university community understand what happened,” said Wilson. “And for the very first time, many of you will see a diagram of what we are proposing to do here at the university….The goal is to enclose 90% of the campus to eliminate unfettered access. We are doing that to keep out the bad actors on our campus.”
Wilson announced the intention to erect a wall — save for controlled entry or exit points — to increase the number of contracted security officers, increase security procedures, acquire advanced surveillance technology and expand police presence on Morgan’s campus.
“When you are in any public space of this campus, and that includes the hallways of these buildings, you are being surveilled,” said Wilson. “I’m simply trying to turn this into a safer place.”
According to Wilson, the university administration is preparing to submit a special funding request to the Maryland state government asking for $21 million to expeditiously complete phase one of improving campus safety. The wall alone is estimated to cost $6.4 million.
Brooke Foyles, student government association president, said she plans to examine each building on campus to confirm accessibility, functionality of entryways and exits and will report all inconsistencies to property managers.
According to Wilson and Kim McCalla, Morgan’s vice president of facilities, design and construction, there is a newly-installed manned security booth outside of Thurgood Marshall’s dining hall as of Oct. 11.
Campus police will monitor Thurgood Marshall Hall around the clock and have additional security in each dorm. Wilson also said Morgan will provide security escorts from 8p.m. to 4a.m.
Morgan Chief of Police Lance Hatcher reviewed the safety procedures in the event of an active shooter. “Run. Hide. Fight,” said Hatcher. “Run – leave everything. Hide and find shelter and barcade the doors. [Lastly] fight, if you are stuck, fight for your life.”
Wilson said he has remained in contact with the students who were injured during the shooting. He relayed a message from one of them and said, “ ‘Today may look grim, but tomorrow is bright. ’ ”
A town hall meeting for Thurgood Marshall residents is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 12 from 11a.m.-1p.m.
Police continue to investigate the shooting and have provided updated pictures of the suspects. There is a $9,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest.
To leave an anonymous tip, contact Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-756-2587.
