Useless Advice from a University about Crime in Chicago

DePaul University students in Chicago have been the victims of robberies. DePaul president urges students to take 'extra steps' in wake of latest robberies on campus - CWB Chicago

For the second time this month, DePaul University President Robert Manuel found himself penning a letter to his community about robberies on the school’s Lincoln Park campus.

At least four students were targeted in two separate robberies, one late Saturday and another early Sunday. Exactly how many people were victimized is unclear, as Chicago police and the school have released slightly different accounts of what happened.

Lincoln Park is one of the 77 neighborhoods in Chicago. It is on the north side of the city, and is bordered on the east by Lake Michigan. It was a very nice place. Past tense.

The "extra steps" are to "be aware." Which is a good first step, but then what? He didn't say, "You should impose a curfew on yourself," but he came damn close.

Robert Manuel also didn't say anything like students should take advantage of the new concealed carry laws in Illinois, though I'm not sure you can conceal and carry on college campuses in Illinois, and since DePaul is a private university, they are probably able to forbid concealed weapons. It's for the safety of the students! And the safety of the robbers, apparently.

“We urge students to take extra steps to stay aware of your surroundings,” the note [from Manuel] said. Manuel encouraged students to take advantage of the school’s public safety resources, particularly during evening hours. He said the local police commander told a recent school safety summit that most robberies in Chicago occur between midnight and 4 a.m.

And so we get the implication that university students should impose a curfew on themselves. Personally I would consider transferring to a university that is outside of a blue city.