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Crime on college campuses reverts to pre-pandemic levels as students fear for safety
At least three **female Arizona State University students** were allegedly sexually assaulted by a “random stranger” in public areas of the Tempe campus in a 30-minute span. It was described as “an isolated incident” on April 11 by the university in a statement to Fox News Digital, but it’s an isolated incident for ASU, not the country, where a national spike in on-campus crimes has reverted to pre-pandemic highs, according to the Department of Education statistics.
Quick Facts
- College campuses across the country are experiencing a surge in on-campus crimes, reverting to pre-pandemic levels.
- In 2022, there were 38,303 reported criminal offenses at colleges and universities, according to the federal government’s latest data.
- Experts attribute the spike to a full return to school post-pandemic and overseas hostilities, such as the Hamas invasion of Israel.
Crime on college campuses has seen a resurgence, with a national spike in on-campus crimes reverting to pre-pandemic levels. This trend is evident in recent incidents, including the alleged sexual assaults at Arizona State University and the surge in violent crime at the University of California, Berkeley. Department of Education statistics indicate a significant increase in reported criminal offenses at colleges and universities, pointing to a concerning rise in on-campus criminal activity post-pandemic.
Experts have not reached definitive conclusions about the factors fueling this surge in college and university crimes. However, many attribute the spike to a full return to in-person learning post-pandemic, coupled with overseas hostilities, such as the Hamas invasion of Israel. While violence and murder have declined in the U.S., the reverse trend is observed in educational institutions, prompting concerns among parents and communities. The recent surge in on-campus crimes has led to the emergence of initiatives like SafeBears, reflecting the growing need for enhanced safety measures and accountability at universities.
As the debate continues on the causes and potential solutions for the surge in on-campus crimes, the safety and security of college students remain a pressing concern for educational institutions and communities nationwide. It remains to be seen whether measures like SafeBears will become more common, and if on-campus crimes will eventually stabilize.
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