Newspapers / The Guilfordian (Greensboro, N.C.) / Sept. 28, 2012, edition 1 / Page 2
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WWW.GUILFORDIAN.COM NEWS RUMORS Fears, rumors of undercover operations on campus dispelled by Public Safety and Campus life Continued from Page I permission to use the dogs to sniff out bedbugs. The student initially believed Campus Life to be lying about the dogs and assumed it was an undercover drug search. "That's not cool if that's the first thing I think of — that my school is lying to my face," said the student. "If the administration wants the student body to trust them, then they need to have an open conversation with us regarding their dealings with students." The dogs turned out to be exactly as presented, bedbug dogs, but that does not make the student's concern any less real. The majority of students' fears are sprouting from half- truths passed around from dorm to dorm. Most of the rumors are just that: rumors. "Rumors at Guilford are entertaining," said Aaron Fetrow, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, in an email interview. "It is like the telephone game we played as kids. One person says something to a friend and within a day that statement has morphed and turned into a gospel truth. Good fun from my seat." When told about the rumor of undercover police officers that is currently floating about campus. Public Safety seemed to be the last to know. "We don't know anything about an undercover operation, and we wouldn't know even if there was one. Probably because undercover means secret," said an anonymous safety officer. In fact, the Public Safety officers expressed respect and appreciation for Guilford students. "These are good kids," another Public Safety officer told The Guilfordian. "They're polite — say, 'yes ma'am' and 'yes sir' — this is a good place to work because the students don't really misbehave." The Public Safety officer continued by acknowledging the general challenges faced, but noted they only occur on a rare basis. "Sure, there will be those couple who are rude to you every now and then or we have to call an ambulance on, but there's a lot worse out there." Captain Richard Whisenant of the Greensboro Police Department said in a statement that he has "no information to indicate that Greensboro Police personnel are conducting undercover operations at campus parties." Captain Whisenant further disproved the rumor of undercover police activity on campus by clarifying the department's protocol and mission. "We coordinate any of our activities on eampus with Guilford College Security to ensure that there are no duplication of efforts and, regardless, any action we take on campus is to ensure the safety and security of college students, faculty and staff." There is now confirmation that undercover cops at The Pines or elsewhere on campus is untrue. It seems unlikely that a woman is being paid to live in Hodgins Retreat with the task of reporting illicit student behavior to authorities. And the bedbug-sniffing dogs turned out to be legitimate bedbug-sniffing dogs. While the reality may be that the rumors were nothing more than rumors, the greater issue remains: a relationship that relies on trust is strained and Guilford students no longer feel respected or protected by their campus safety nets. Feeling passionate about a topic pertaining to social justice? Want to get to know the Greensboro community better? Looking for a way your voice can be heard? Check out Guilford's new social justice blog. Our social justice department has covered stories pertaining to: * Amendment One * IWW's Greensboro chapter * Homelessness * The Trayvon Martin court case If you are interested in writing stories, pitching ideas or taking photos for The Guilfordian's social justice blog, contact Izzy Elliott, social Justice editor, at elliotid@ guilford.edu. QnEENLEAT * CO-OP The Greenleaf is an experiment in an alternative business model as part of our vision of a better world. We are a non- hierarchal, member-run coffee cooperative. We strive to uphold our values of community, anti-oppression, social and economic justice, and sustainability. We attempt to do this through educating ourselves and the community conscience purchasing, and supporting other groups that share our values. GREENLEAF COUPON BRING THIS COUPON TO THB GREENLEAF FOR A 15% DISCOUNT ON CAFE DRINKS EXPIRES 10/5/t2 ONE COUPON, PER STUDENT, PER ISSUE '
The Guilfordian (Greensboro, N.C.)
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Sept. 28, 2012, edition 1
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