Vol 90, No. 10

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Georgia State’s Campus Safety Crisis

What the university is doing to address rising safety issues for students

On April 6th and April 11th Georgia State University President Brian Blake and GSUPD Chief Anthony Coleman addressed students in a public Student Government Association (SGA) meeting and town hall regarding campus safety following a string of violent crimes during the week of the 27th.

Wednesday, March 29th, was the first incident where a large pool party at Reflections got out of hand and gunshots were fired outside. An arrest was made that night on an individual with a weapon but they were not the shooter.

On Saturday, April 1st, there was a pool party at The Mix that got “ridiculously out of hand.” Chief Coleman said that about the 150 people that swarmed the streets outside The Mix and the RaceTrac.

Sunday, April 2nd, marked the last of the string of incidents but was the busiest night. According to Coleman around 200 people were roaming the student housing area and shooting on Piedmont Avenue. The police arrested an individual carrying an AK47 but stated that they were not the initial shooter. GSUPD responded to another call at University Commons where street racers had gathered at a parking lot nearby and another shooting had happened. Coleman said officers were dispatched immediately to control the situation, using de-escalation tactics and police presence to disperse the crowd. The perpetrators could face criminal charges, and students could potentially face additional academic punishment.

“What we want to show is that you can enjoy yourself here but we will not tolerate what happened this past weekend,” Chief Coleman said. “We’ve reached out to our outside police agencies and outside vendors so that we can establish an extreme police presence.”

As a temporary solution, GSUPD stated that they are going to add 30 more police officers within the housing corridor, Piedmont Avenue, Courtland and John Wesly Dobbs. At the townhall, students voiced their concerns about the University’s solutions, questioning the effectiveness of increased policing. Chief Coleman af-

firmed that a police presence is absolutely necessary and that safety is the number one priority.

As a solution to the street racers, GSUPD are putting down steel plates to prevent high-speed cruising and drifting. To prevent further traffic violations, GSUPD has stated that they are going to install new license plate scanners and surveillance cameras.

“We are targeting all traffic violations, and all criminal activity, no excuses at all,” Vice-Chief Nicolay Hammond says. “You are going to see Georgia State patrol, you’ll see Fulton County Sheriff, you’ll see Atlanta police working side by side, they all have the same initiative, to keep us safe.”

Although this has been the most recent incident, there have always been concerns about campus safety. In early December last year, a student was shot and killed at the RaceTrac in the housing corridor, sparking alarm amongst students and parents. Chief Operating Officer Jared Abramson and Chief Coleman address these long-term concerns with new investments around campus.

“We are conducting a full campus assessment of every building to identify hotspots where we should be the most focused,” Abramson said. “We will do a full audit on each building to write reviews and recommendations for security details such as locks, training, personnel, and cameras.”

He identified areas such as parking garages and the student center as hotspots for activity, stating that those areas are priorities for new changes. Nighttime front door access to the Student Center is being examined to determine whether access should be limited to students by a certain time. Assessments on residence halls will also include additional training for residence hall assistants.

“We are working very closely with contractors to implement new infrastructure that will improve campus safety across the board,” Abramson said.

These projects include upgrading street lights along walkways, installing high-speed gates, increasing camera surveillance and building emergency call boxes on campus sidewalks. Chief Cole-

man and Abramson unveiled these plans to members of the university during a safety demonstration and are now “aggressively working” on building them. They have stated that they do not have an estimated time frame for these changes.

The goal of the infrastructure is to create a set pathway for students to walk and to specify dedicated spaces for students. President Blake believes that creating these pathways will help balance the campus-city dynamic.

“I don’t want us to be an isolated campus, I believe that being a part of the city is what makes Georgia State so authentic,” Blake said. “However, I do think we need to develop special ways for our students to move around our space so they can feel comfortable and safe.”

Another concern that was brought up at the town hall was about the bus schedules and the GSUPD escort service. Students expressed their concerns about the buses not running late enough.On Thursday, April 13th President Blake changed the bus schedule to align with the University Library hours for the blue, green and purple lines. University leaders have also expanded the GSUPD escort system and will continue to publicize the police and safety resources on a new operations website.

Administration and GSUPD heavily encourage students to use the LiveSafe app to report any crimes, suspicious behavior or any other incident that needs police attention. Chief Coleman explained that GSUPD have operators monitoring LiveSafe at all times and that it is the best way to help keep the campus safe.

“With around 75 police officers here in the Atlanta campus we have 150 eyes doing the best we can but we can’t cover every corner. With over 30,000 students however, we can have more than 60,000 eyes keeping each other safe. Download the LiveSafe app and help us keep you safe.”

PHOTO BY: ADAM DUFFY | THE SIGNAL

PICTURED: (LEFT TO RIGHT) ANTHONY COLEMAN, JARED ABRAMSON, BRIAN BLAKE AND ANTHONY DAVIS

OPINIONS

Addressing Campus Safety and Gun Control

Georgia State’s failures emblematic of greater problem

The recent events that took place in the city of Atlanta, particularly at Georgia State University, have raised serious concerns about the safety of students and faculty members. The Student Government Association’s recent April 6th meeting shed light on several incidents that occurred over the past weekend, including out of control pool parties at off-campus housing, street racing, and two shootings. These events, in conjunction with previous similar incidents, have left many to question current safety measures and consider what can be done to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

The recent shootings on campus and the ineffectiveness of current safety measures to prevent such incidents are appalling. It is unacceptable that our students and faculty members have to live in constant fear of being targeted by senseless acts of violence. The fact that individuals are able to bring weapons on campus and endanger innocent lives is a clear indication that we need stricter gun control laws. Additionally, it is also outrageous that the response to these incidents is reactive rather than proactive. We need to implement emergency response protocols and provide officers with proper training to handle such situations calmly, expeditiously, and professionally. It’s time for the university to prioritize the safety and well-being of students and take immediate action to prevent future tragedies. Controlling guns on campus requires a multi-pronged approach that includes implementing stricter gun control laws, restricting the presence of guns on campus, educating and raising awareness, and addressing the underlying issues that lead to gun violence. By taking proactive steps to promote safety and prevent violence, GSU can help ensure a safer and more secure environment for everyone on campus.

One of the major concerns raised by the Police Chief Anthony Coleman was the number of individuals carrying weapons at these parties. It is alarming to think that so many people are willing to carry guns to social events where alcohol and other substances are often involved. This trend points to a larger issue of gun violence in America and the need for stricter gun control laws. However, it is also important to note that the individuals involved in these incidents were not GSU students.

The importance of de-escalation and anti-bias training was also stressed during the meeting. It is crucial to have officers who are trained to handle situations calmly and professionally, without resorting to violence or discriminatory behavior. Such training can help reduce incidents of excessive force and ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect. It’s also essential to address the root causes of gun violence, such as social isolation, mental illness, and toxic masculinity. GSU needs to work to create a campus culture that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and respect. This can include programs that foster healthy relationships, build resilience, and promote conflict resolution.

On Tuesday, April 11, the Signal attended GSU’s Safety Town Hall. Students, parents, and staff alike shared their concerns and suggestions about campus safety with the panel of administrators and police officers present. Many students expressed their frustration with the lack of transparency in GSU’s communication about safety issues. “It’s embarrassing,” said one student. Several students called for the improvement of the current campus-wide emergency alert system. The panel took note of these concerns and promised to take them into consideration as they continue to work towards improving campus safety.

To prevent future incidents, GSU must take a proactive approach to campus safety. One way to achieve this is by enhancing emergency response protocols. Campus safety officers must be trained to handle emergencies effectively and communicate clearly with students and faculty members in the event of an emergency. Encouraging the reporting of suspicious activity can help prevent incidents of crime and ensure a safer environment for all. The LiveSafe app was brought to the forefront of the meeting several times as a resource for students and police to collaborate. Students can utilize the app to turn in photos and videos of suspicious or unlawful activity which will in turn accelerate the process of identifying the individual(s), prosecuting them, and creating a safer campus for all.

CHANDLER GROCE Opinions Editor

PHOTO BY: HUNTER LASERNA | THE SIGNAL

ARTS & LIVING

The Unabridged Biography of Sylvia Plath

A Biography of Sylvia Plath, through a poet’s eyes

KAWTHAR ALASAAD Arts & Living Editor

Sylvia Plath was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 27, 1932. Plath was a jarring poet with a distinctive style for her work. Her interest in writing began at a young age, and she started by keeping a notebook. Plath received a scholarship to Smith College in 1950 after writing several pieces.

Plath attended Cambridge University in England. She met poet Ted Hughes while studying at the university’s Newnham College. The couple married in 1956 and had a turbulent relationship. Plath visited Massachusetts in 1957 to study with poet Robert Lowell, where she met fellow poet and student Ann Sexton. At about the same time, she was teaching English at Smith College.

Sylvia’s two most notable works are The Bell Jar and a poetry volume titled The Colossus. Due to the heavy years of journaling, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath were published after she had passed, contributing to her legacy and analyzing more of who Sylvia was from her own words.

Plath’s writing style is known for its confessional and deeply personal nature, exploring themes of mental illness, gender roles and societal expectations. Her works continue to inspire and influence generations of writers and readers alike. Plath’s use of vivid and visceral imagery, coupled with her unflinching exploration of the human psyche, has made her a literary icon whose impact continues to be felt today. Her legacy as a trailblazing feminist writer has inspired countless women to speak their truth and challenge societal norms.

“I can never read all the books I want; I can never be all the people I want and live all the lives I want. I can never train myself in all the skills I want. And why do I want? I want to live and feel all the shades, tones and variations of mental and physical experience possible in my life. And I am horribly limited.”

-Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath.

Plath, a rising poet, had her first poetry collection, The Colossus, published in London in 1960. She gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Freida, the same year. Plath and Hughes welcomed their second child, a son called Nicholas, two years later.

Plath’s work in The Colossus received critical acclaim and established her as a significant voice in contemporary poetry. However, her personal life was tumultuous, and she struggled with mental illness throughout her career, which ultimately led to her tragic death by suicide in 1963.

Despite Sylvia’s tragic end to her life, her work remains a remarkable legacy of who she is and who she remains to be in the world of literature. Sylvia’s writing has inspired generations of readers and writers alike, and her unique voice continues to resonate with people around the world. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of art to transcend time and connect us all.

“And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”

-Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath.

stage: The mutual dedication between musical artists and fans

Around 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, screams could be heard outside of the Buckhead Theater. No one was in danger; it was just the fan reaction to Joshua Bassett as he walked out of the theater to greet fans who had been waiting near his tour bus after his show finished.

“Yeah, those girls over there said they’ve been here since like 5 a.m. ” a nearby security guard said.

The dedication of the devoted concert attendee is often unmatched, and Elisabeth Parrillo is just one example of the many fans with an intense dedication to attending her favorite artist’s concerts.

“The longest line I’ve waited in was back in 2018, I waited for 13 hours…I’m from Rhode Island and drove down just for the concert,” Parrillo said.

The total length of her journey from Rhode Island to Atlanta? Roughly 22 hours. She was not alone in her travels for the concert with others also having traveled from their various home states, however, distance is not the only length of dedication that Bassett’s fans put into his concerts, some also having multiple phones. Two fans in line spoke to the fact they had two phones, “One of them is specifically for concerts because I go to quite a lot and my other phone just has no storage at all,” Perilo said. A fan in line next to Perilo states the same reasoning for her own two-phone usage.

While many fans had previously been to dozens of concerts and would consider themselves avid concertgoers, some having even seen Bassett on tour multiple times with plans to see him more at his upcoming tour dates, some fans had never been to a concert and felt that his was a great first concert go.

Another typical aspect of dedication seen at concerts with

general admission lines that begin hours before the concert are fans who appoint themselves as the ones who maintain the order. Upon line arrival, regardless of time, each person could be expected to be approached by a fan who had a list of each type of ticket that did not come with an assigned seat. After being approached by this fan, the type of ticket the individual purchased, as well as their number in line, would be written on their hand in Sharpie. This served as a fan-led way to ensure those in line would stay in the correct order.

Not only are Bassett’s fans dedicated to concerts and dedicated to him, but he also returns the favor. Throughout the show Bassett made it a constant point to engage with the crowd, often holding hands with those towards the front and making eye contact and gesturing at those throughout the theater.

At one point with the assistance of security, the crowd was parted so Bassett could stand in the middle and sing a song. At a certain point, Bassett ran backstage to which the spotlight then shone on him walking, talking and shaking hands with members of the crowd, except this time he had made his way up to the balcony, something not always seen at concerts.

When an artist is dedicated to their fans, the gesture will often be returned. “I do still have it, it’s literally in my apartment.” Basset was overheard saying to a fan after she asked if he still had a stuffed animal she gave him at a previous show.

At the end of the night when Bassett could easily return to his tour bus after spending about an hour and a half performing, he took his time to speak to those dedicated fans who waited for him all day.

PHOTO BY: HUNTER LASERNA | THE SIGNAL

Beyond the

Taking a look at the dedication of Joshua Bassett’s fans, in which he constantly returns the favor.

AMIRA DANIEL Staff Columnist

Who should the Falcons select in the upcoming draft

Which rookies could potentially have the biggest impact on the franchise?

MATTHEW TINDLE Staff Reporter

With the 2023 NFL Draft right around the corner, there is a multitude of prospects looking to leave their mark on whichever franchise that gives them an opportunity. Currently, Atlanta holds the eighth pick, so who should be on top of its draft board?

The Panthers’ Double-Edged Sword

After head basketball coach Jonas Hayes took the job at Georgia State, he was immediately met with a disadvantage. He was losing a lot of his players to graduation and the transfer portal. The players transferring weren’t leaving due to Hayes in particular, but they saw situations that better fit their collegiate basketball careers. Corey Allen, Kane Williams and big man Eliel Nsoseme - all seniors, left the program for graduation. In the portal, he lost Jalen Thomas to Butler and Chien Hao Ma. Hayes got busy right when his plane touched down in Atlanta. He put his hands in the dirt and got messy in the transfer portal. He brought home Dwon Odom and Breden Tucker - two guards who played at high levels at their previous programs. Jamaine Mann also transferred to the Panthers from the high-level SEC program at Vanderbilt University. He also recruited 6 ‘10” center, Edward Nnamoka from Riviera Prep out of Miami. The team was set to come into the 2022-23 year with some momentum, especially since they had just come off an NCAA tournament appearance the year before.

Unfortunately, the season was one to forget. The team went 10-21, 10-9 at home and 0-11 on the road. They also finished 3-15 in conference play and ended the season on an eight-game losing streak. It was apparent nobody was happy with the way the team played this year, especially the players. Following the end of the season, six players hit the portal. Joe Jones, Kalik Brooks, Kaleb Scott, Evan Johnson, Danny Stubbs and Jamall Clyce all look to transfer in hopes to find their new basketball home. GSU staff, players and coaches are bound to miss these guys, but it’s part of the college game.

This offseason, Hayes has been on a roll. So far, Hayes has brought in three new guys from the portal. Leslie Nkereuwem from Longwood University is one of the three new ad-

ditions. Nkereuwem brings experience to this Panther squad. In his 2020-21 season, he helped lead Longwood to their first Big South Conference Championship.

Julian Mackey, one of the top Junior College players in the nation at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M has also committed to the Panthers. Mackey averaged 20.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game and shot the three at almost 43% last year. He’ll bring a dynamic aspect offensively to this team and allow the Panthers to efficiently space the floor on offense.

Toneari Lane finishes off the list of Panther transfers this offseason. Lane averaged 10.3 points and 2.4 rebounds while at Winthrop University. He’s originally from Atlanta and as Panthers’ fans know, Hayes loves to recruit local guys to put on for the city.

DK Manyiel and Vashon Ferguson, both from Georgia, have both signed their letters of intent and plan to play an integral part on this Georgia State squad next season. DK Manyiel, a 7-foot center looks to join Edward Nnamako as another big man on this team. This duo could prove to be lethal. Ferguson, a 6 ‘4” shooting guard out of Grovetown, GA had offers to D-1 programs across the country, but ultimately chose the Panthers.

It’s apparent the program isn’t satisfied with how the season ended last year. This caused the coaching staff to lock in following the end of the season. This Panthers’ team looks prepared to cause some ruckus in the Sun Belt next season. Panthers’ fans will need patience until the next season starts, but it seems the best is soon to come.

One of the biggest names connected to Atlanta is Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson, who stands at 6’6”, and weighs 275 pounds. During his senior year with the Red Raiders, Wilson led the team in sacks with seven in just ten starts before a foot injury cut his final season short. This was enough to grant him first-team All-American, and first-team all-conference being the first Red Raider player to do so since 2013.

Last year the Falcons finished with the second-lowest number of sacks in the league, only being able to muster 21. To say they need an improvement on the defensive line would be an understatement, but with the recent signing of veteran Calais Campbell, and star tackle Grady Gerrett, Wilson would greatly benefit from learning under these two former all-pros.

Another player Atlanta could look at selecting is standout wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba out of Ohio State University. While Smith-Njigba missed most of last season with a hamstring injury, teams are more reliant on Smith-Njigba’s production during his sophomore campaign where he tallied up 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns in thirteen games. His best outing came against Utah, a game in which he finished with a record-breaking 347 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

The Falcons have made it clear that they will be sticking with second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder to line up under center, and with receiving core consisting of both Drake London and Kyle Pitts, Smith-Njigba would give Rid-

der yet another target and setting him up for a potential breakout season. Smith-Njigba has received high praise from teammates such as former costar wide receiver Garrett Wilson. “Jaxon is as good as I’ve ever seen, probably the best I’ve ever seen, Jaxon is the most natural athlete I’ve ever seen,” Wilson said.

One last potential pick for the Falcons comes in the form of defensive end Nolan Smith from the University of Georgia. The former number one ranked recruit in the nation coming out of high school stood out at the NFL combine running a 4.39 40-yard dash making him the fastest edge rusher in this year’s draft. During his tenure at Georgia, he recorded 11.5 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss and 78 pressures in 46 games as a Bulldog.

During the combine, Smith talked about how motivated he is to play. “I’m player-led and self-driven,” Smith said. “You’re not going to have to tell me to go, I promise you I’m going to go naturally on my own, I wake up out of bed, I’m juiced up, ready, just excited. Man, we play the best game in the world.” As said before, the Falcons desperately need help on the defensive line, and the addition of Smith could have the positive impact this defense has been searching for. Atlanta is looking to radically change the notion they have created over the past few seasons as a bottom-tier defense with an ineffective pass rush being the leading cause for its struggles.

Overall, the Falcons have many options to choose from with a top-ten pick. Atlanta also has the option to trade down and gather more picks if necessary, but fans are hoping this will be the year Atlanta can make a push to win the NFC South, and with the new regimen of coaches there is much to look forward to.

The transfer portal has been a blessing and a curse for the program.

SKYLER HILL Staff Reporter

PHOTO BY: TRENT LEGASPI

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