OSU-Cascades Students Urge Expanded Safety Protocols After Three Violent Incidents

Three violent incidents occurred within a seven-day window at or near the Oregon State University Cascades campus in Bend, prompting student leaders to demand expanded safety protocols. The events include two reported sexual assaults in campus housing and a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, located a few miles from the university.

Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, presented the concerns to the OSU Board of Trustees during their meeting on Friday. He noted that the three distinct events have left students concerned for their physical, sexual, and emotional safety. The sexual assaults were reported on October 8 and October 10 at the campus's sole residential hall. University officials stated in a letter that the victim did not know the assailant, and investigations into both incidents remain ongoing.

In response to the alleged assaults, campus safety hours have been extended to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Student leaders are currently urging campus partners to re-examine and expand emergency protocols, specifically those designed for active shooter situations. They also seek to ensure that the community is aware of available resources for sexual violence prevention and response.

The interim chancellor and dean, Christine Pollard, communicated with students following the incidents. She emphasized that creating a safe campus community is a shared responsibility and encouraged students to look out for one another. Her messages included lists of both confidential and non-confidential resources for those affected by sexual violence.

OSU-Cascades closed on the Friday following the shooting and reopened for classes at the start of the current week. Meanwhile, the Bend-La Pine Schools district remained closed, and Silver Rail Elementary has been closed indefinitely. Student leaders established letter-writing stations on campus to send messages of support to the school's parent-teacher organization. Additionally, student employees at the campus Makerspace lab constructed an engraved memorial shrine.

Karla Chambers, the chair of the Board of Trustees, addressed the emotional impact of the shooting on the OSU family. She stated that the entire OSU family stands with the Bend community and acknowledged that the healing process will require a substantial amount of time. Student Health and Wellness and the Student Counseling Center have opened confidential drop-in sessions for anyone, whether directly impacted by the events or not.

These reports align with wider attention to campus sexual violence, including five incidents reported during the first week of classes at the University of Oregon's Eugene campus. National discussions continue regarding an alleged 2024 rape case at Cornell University. Individuals seeking support can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration crisis line at 1-800-985-5990.