In the past several weeks, I have heard many students express disappointment and anger over the University's decision to arm public safety officers. Many of these negative responses have to do with the way the decision was reached. I've heard from a number of students that while the decision-making process bothers them, the ultimate decision does not. Due to this, many students have decided that it's not in Brandeis' interest to revisit the decision-after all, why change a decision that they believe is positive?

I would like to focus on the positive effects of revisiting the decision to arm public safety officers. Because of the secretive manner in which the discussions were held, further debate on the issue could raise campus awareness and restore trust in the administration and respect for the community.

Brandeis, as a private institution, has a high degree of autonomy in its decisions. The administration wasn't obligated to consult students, faculty or staff about the controversial arming decision, let alone any decision.

The privacy of the advisory committee, and the quiet decision making of Reinharz, though within the rights of the school, have limited the awareness of important community issues-such as safety.

Revisiting the decision, even unnecessarily, would allow more people to contribute to the debate and exchange ideas as to how the University can be safer. Honesty, trust, awareness and respect are pillars of a great community. Honesty, trust, awareness, and respect are pillars of a great community. As a small and close-knit school, Brandeis has the rare opportunity to include many voices in its decision-making process.

It is possible that the decision will not change. Nonetheless, by allowing the community to join in the process, the community will not only become more informed as to what is happening on campus, but the administration will be more informed as to how the community feels about campus safety issues.

More members of the community can voice their opinions about issues related to, for example, weak anti-bias training for public safety officers or possible problems with Waltham police as exhibited by a recent arrest of two Brandeis students and one alumnus last month.

This awareness would allow the administration to create a better decision-making process, even if the decision still arms public safety.

Some may scoff at this idea but this is the heart of the debate-members of the community were disrespected by the exclusive nature of the debate and decision.

Showing respect is simple; the administration should consider not only the safety of the community, but also their opinions, fears, hopes and experiences; in other words, the administration should treat members of the community as whole individuals.

Revisiting this decision will show that the administration recognizes that many in the community are affected by its decisions.

I do not believe that anyone in the administration, including Reinharz and the advisory committee, would purposefully disrespect the Brandeis community.

However, they have not displayed a willingness to candid about the administration's decision-making. As a result, the community is left feeling devoid of respect.

I don't believe the advisory committee merely took orders and made its suggestion because it lacked the faculties necessary to stand up to Reinharz. The decision was thought out, and, hopefully, they had all the information needed to make a sound decision.

No matter what the final outcome, if the administration initiated a forum and open debate on the issue, the bonds of our community would be strengthened.



The writer is a member of the Class of 2008.