Vandalism is attack on community

During the last few months, Georgetown’s campus has seen a slew of vandalism that clearly goes beyond typical acts of drunken buffoonery. The two separate incidents of defacement of the Virgin Mary statue and the most recent swastika graffiti near the Leavey Center clearly highlight a growing problem on campus. University administrators and the Department of Public Safety have so far proven lackluster in responding to these important campus issues. They need to be more vigilant in patrolling the campus in order to prevent future vandalism.

The damage inflicted by the recent bout of vandalism has not been a problem because of expensive or time-consuming repairs. The harm has been more psychological than anything, making the University’s responsibility to prevent future vandalism all the more acute. After the Virgin Mary statue was defaced, students held a 24-hour vigil around the statue, reflecting the importance of such sacred objects to certain student groups.

The University did not even send out an e-mail informing students about the SS lightning symbol until four days after the graffiti was discovered, reflecting an all-too-common sluggishness in campus security’s response time. It has yet to be determined whether the vandals are Georgetown students; if they are, they should know that Red Square is the designated free speech zone on campus. They can make their anti-Catholic or pro-Nazi views known there, without damaging campus property.

There are a few clear solutions to the recent epidemic of vandalism. First, DPS should increase patrols along Copley Lawn at night , keeping any would-be vandals at bay. Second, and most important, the University should add a few security cameras in strategic locations, such as against the wall on Copley Lawn where the Blessed Mother statue is located. As the District’s recent experience with crime-monitoring technology has shown, security cameras are especially effective against petty crimes such as vandalism and loitering. The cost will be small, as DPS already has a large infrastructure of security systems that include security cameras; a few more cameras will only pose a small cost.

The University should not put issues of vandalism on the back burner just because the crimes involve neither violence nor theft. Protecting campus landmarks that contribute to Georgetown’s identity is essential to maintaining the University’s sense of community and ensuring that all students—regardless of their gender, race, creed, or sexual orientation—feel safe and comfortable on the Hilltop.