MSU security echos protection and prevention tips

By JULIA LIN Editor in Chief

Campuses are the setting of 5% of active shooter incidents and Michigan State University became the 71st mass shooting of 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Barely scratching the surface of the new year, the incident last Monday was the first mass shooting at a U.S. school.

As part of Minnesota State University’s annual Disaster Awareness Week, a presentation informing staff with tips for surviving an active shooter incident was coincidently presented just days after the mass shooting.

Loren Jansen,

emergency manager and security coordinator, says if your plan is to call 911, you need a better plan.

“What we are looking at is a mindset of awareness, preparation and rehearsal,” said Jansen.

Oftentimes there isn’t a direct connection to the campus of the attacker’s targets.

“Just like this Michigan State incident, no connection (between the shooter and the university). It’s just random,” Jansen said in the presentation.

“It’s a place to go to. It’s a place where people are at, whether it’s the mall, the church or the school.”

Involving blank rounds and going through the motions of

Sweeping both interstate oratory spots and the alternate, MSU students placed in the top three for oratory where first- and second-place individuals will qualify for the national competition in April. Eight students qualified for the NFA national tournament in 22 events.

Freshman Mary Burshem placed first in the oratory category and qualified for the national tournament in Texas later this semester. Her piece about advocating to outlaw corporal punishment is a topic she thinks is worth discussing.

“Talking about it in different states and bringing awareness to it is important. This is something that I am passionate about and can talk about,” Burshem said.

James Ziegweid, placed in five events over the weekend, with his most notable one being impromptu speaking. Participants in that category are given a minute and a half to analyze a quotation and then have to create a five-and-a-halfminute speech on the fly.

Having no prior experience in Speech and Debate before college, he learned to think quickly on his feet and enjoys the ability to advocate for change.

“The power your words