Campus Safety Task Force Minutes May 8, 2007
Governor’s Task Force on Campus Safety Meeting
Capitol Annex
Frankfort, Kentucky
May 8, 2007
Meeting Notes
Members Present: Wayne Hall, Teresa Barton, Joe Cline, Ed Sergent, Bill Payne, Mike Haney, Mason Dyer (for Gary Cox) and Gail Minger.
Members Absent: Rodney Raby, Richard Peddicord, Rick Benningfield, Jon Akers, Eric King and Michael LaCount
Guests Present: Barbara Pauley, general counsel; Joe Dittman, U of L and Andrew Smith, University of Kentucky’s Alcohol Education Office
* The meeting was called to order by Gail Minger. Mrs. Minger asked Ellen Williams to read the minutes from the last meeting.
* Mrs. Minger informed the Task Force members that there had been a school shooting at Fresno State earlier that morning.
* Mrs. Minger stated that she is glad the governor formed the separate work group because they will be able to focus intently on a specific charge outlined in the mission given to the Task Force.
* Mrs. Minger asked the members to let her know if they knew of any air and water quality experts. The charge from Governor Fletcher asks that they address air and water issues (on campuses) in their report, so Mrs. Minger would like to talk with an expert prior to writing the final report.
* Mrs. Minger asked if anyone would be willing or knew someone who would be willing to help formulate the report for the governor. Teresa Barton said that she and Ed Sergent would be happy to draft the table of contents for the report.
* Mrs. Minger informed the Task Force that Travis Manley, Wayne Hall and Joe Dittman have already drafted a report on compliance that can be incorporated into the larger report for the governor.
* Mrs. Minger introduced Andrew Smith from UK’s alcohol education office to the members and asked if he had anything to present to the group. He stated that he did not have any comments at this time. He met with the alcohol and sexual assault subgroup before the meeting and presented a few ideas at that meeting.
* Mrs. Minger stated that the Task Force should spend some time focusing on issues about dorm security. She said many sexual assaults in dorms are a result of intruders easily gaining access to dorm rooms.
* Mrs. Minger introduced Virginia White to the group. Mrs. White is the aunt of Katie Autry, who was killed while attending Western Kentucky University. Mrs. White told the members that she supports anything that can be done to address dorm security problems. Mrs. White feels that this is a huge problem on campuses.
* Bill Payne asked to address the Task Force. He stated that he truly appreciates Mrs. White’s input and support. He said that students need to understand their responsibilities and they should be taught why certain rules are in place. He stated that students who watch the dorm’s entrances (front desk personnel) should understand that they are responsible for lives and people’s safety.
* Mrs. Minger pointed out that some campuses don’t have main entrance personnel. She stated that this is the first level of security in all dorms.
* Mrs. Minger asked for further comments. No one had any further comments.
* The next meeting will be June 5 at 2 p.m.
* Mrs. Minger asked the Task Force members to brainstorm about how to handle problems with dorm access.
* The meeting was adjourned.
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