This is a piece I wrote that was never able to be published. However, I want to put it on my site for students to know their concerns are valid. I write these things not only for pieces of work, but so students know that they are heard.
When a tragedy strikes a campus, an email will be sent out with a message from the president of the university acknowledging the recent incident. In the past, when a significant incident has occurred, President Denise Trauth comes forth with a press release regarding whatever the situation is that pertains to the student body and/or campus.
A student was found unresponsive in Laurel Hall Oct. 20, and later pronounced dead. A Tweet was sent out from the Texas State Twitter account announcing the incident, as well as from The University Star Twitter. These Tweets were the only source of information regarding the death of the student. Trauth said nothing.
No email or formal message has been sent out. A majority of students were not aware the incident even occurred unless they saw a Tweet or read campus news, despite the incident happening on campus. Very little information has been released regarding the student, besides the brief written by The University Star. No other comments were provided from UPD or investigators. The campus community has been left in the dark about this incident and it begs the question as to why Trauth has not said a word.
Four days after the incident was reported, a message from Trauth was sent out regarding an alumna’s passing; included were condolences to the family. Trauth decided to acknowledge an alumna’s death, but not a currently enrolled student.
If Trauth can acknowledge the passing of alumni, how can she not acknowledge a current student’s death? In 2018, Trauth sent out a message of condolences to the passing of a study-abroad student from Texas Tech. However, the student body has still heard nothing regarding one of its own.
Students have taken notice and using twitter have given a name and asked for the university to acknowledge the student. In the Twitter thread, students mentioned how Laurel Hall staff disseminated an email to students who lived there about handling grief. However, no email has been sent to all students in regards to mental health and grief.
It is a possibility the family might not have wanted the name of the student out. However, it is irresponsible for the university to ignore what has happened and to act like it never occurred. If an alumna can receive an acknowledgement, then so can a current student in their first few years at Texas State.
Trauth needs to acknowledge what has happened and remind students their lives matter, and they are more than a number and revenue for the school. There are resources on campus if needed. Trauth’s silence is deafening and the university deserves answers.
Commentaires