JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 Homecoming week is underway at Edward Waters University, and the campus is ramping up its security.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s after the school\u2019s <\/b>sister HBCU\u2019s experienced incidents of violence during recent homecoming celebrations at campuses including South Carolina State, Alcorn State, and Jackson State.<\/p>\n
\u201cKnowing that because of what our sisters went through, we are ramping up and ramping up our security,\u201d said Trenton Bryant, a student. It\u2019s definitely a good thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
As students, faculty, and staff gather for concerts, the coronation, the parade, and the big football matchup against Central State, safety is a priority.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe definitely have great campus security that is going to make sure that we stay secure and stay safe,\u201d Bryant said.<\/p>\n
The university launched a new safety and security initiative called \u201cProtect the Yard.\u201d<\/p>\n
At EWU, they are more than tripling their regular law enforcement and security presence during homecoming week. The university is hiring additional personnel from local law enforcement and private security firms.<\/p>\n
Metal detectors, hand wands, and security screening stations will be in place at all major event entry points.<\/p>\n
And a strict Clear Bag Policy will be enforced at all major events. Only small, clear bags are permitted; purses and opaque backpacks are prohibited.<\/p>\n
Campus surveillance is also being expanded. The \u201cTiger Alert\u201d system will be used for emergency communication.<\/p>\n
These are all measures that students said are necessary.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose steps were supposed to be taken in order to have the security and comfort for everybody, no matter boy, girl, everybody on this campus,\u201d said student Savaud Dorsey.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are taking seriously and into consideration what everyone else went through so that we feel better about what\u2019s going on on campus,\u201d Bryant said.<\/p>\n
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