Colleges Unprepared For Expected Illegal Protests This Fall

WASHINGTON - Sept. 2, 2024 - PRLog -- Although dozens of newspapers report that universities expect a return of illegal protestors this fall, many have not taken the simple, no cost, and logical steps of adopting clear rules aimed at preventing such criminal conduct from beginning and taking hold, says public interest law professor John Banzhaf, a former security officer and consultant who has published a study of campus safety (https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20221011124140599).

Many universities, even those which suffered this spring from protest tent encampments have refused to adopt rules or even policies prohibiting the erection of tents or other structures.

There is still no rule against tents, so GWU must rely upon a vague demonstration policy (https://compliance.gwu.edu/demonstrations) which simply prohibits demonstrations which "obstruct access to university facilities or spaces" or "disrupt normal university operations."

Protest organizers often recommend face coverings to their followers for the express purpose of avoiding identification and the possible resulting consequences.

But many if not most universities have not taken the simple and logical step of adopting a simple clear rule prohibiting the wearing of masks or other face coverings during outdoor demonstrations (when a claim of health risk would have little validity).

It's easier to ask a handful of students not to set up a tent (because a clear rule says so), or not to wear masks (because all masks are always prohibited outdoors), than to try to persuade a large group of 50 or more students to all take off their masks or to dismantle dozens of tents which have already been set up.

There are, of course, many other simple, basic, and inexpensive actions universities should take to help protect themselves for harmful actions by illegal protestors.

Another example is a prohibition on projecting signs or other images on university buildings and other property.

So, to no one's surprise except GWU administrators, Anti-Israel Protesters at George Washington University Project 'Genocide Joe' [with a huge picture of the president] over American Flag (https://www.breitbart.com/education/2024/05/03/anti-israe...).

Having now been caught a second time with their pants down - fool me once, shame on you; but fool me twice, shame on me! - GWU finally adopted a policy prohibiting such protections, but only even more belatedly, and only at the repeated urging of Professor Banzhaf.

Another simple and inexpensive step - one which Columbia University failed to take when its building was forcibly occupied - would be to insure that all buildings are capable of being locked with deadbolt locks, with a strong strike plate held in place with long and strong screws; exactly the kind of advise Banzhaf says he and other security consultants would provide to businesses and even home owners who want to strongly deter break ins.

http://banzhaf.net/   jbanzhaf3ATgmail.com   @profbanzhaf