TSU President seeks to increase security on campus

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - A month after TSU freshman Brent Randall was killed by who police say is a known gang member, Texas Southern’s President met with various law enforcement agencies to discuss ways they can make the campus safer.

President John Rudley says that he has made student safety his top priority and protecting the reputation of his university.

Rudley isn’t being shy in asking for help.  He is bringing in the big guns to make sure that TSU students are safe on campus.  He spoke with ATF officials, constables and several police chiefs.

“We lost a young man. Brent Randall had no business losing his life just because he wanted to come to college, so I'm pleading with you; I need you to tell us what we need to do,” Rudley said.

Precinct 7 Constable May Walker, a TSU alum, was one of the most vocal.

“First of all they need to educate the students on how important it is to participate in: see something say something,” Walker said.

Also included on the list of recommendations from law enforcement were metal detectors, giving HPD officers overtime to guard the campus and having officers patrol on bikes.  Students say a stronger police presence is what the campus needs.

“When I'm just walking the Tiger Walk I don't see a lot of security at all and I feel like that's something the school should have a little bit more of,” TSU Junior Carter Hicok said.

“I feel like they should have better patrolling, and that they be more careful who they let on campus who has access to different parts and areas in campus,” Freshman Jada Osby said.

“More security riding on carts, making sure students are safe especially in housing complexes,” Junior Jory Collins said.

But students say the worst part in all of this is the damaged reputation of their school.

“I think it's added to the ridicule this campus gets. I don't think we're accredited enough for the achievements that do happen. I think people are too blindsided in the bad, that they fail to see the light in things,” Osby said.

That’s exactly the perception President Rudley doesn’t want.  He says that he will find a way to get the money to pay for the increased police presence.

He says the passage of Campus Carry will add to their problems of trying to protect the campus.  The law will be in effect come next August.

“Why would you think I'm against it?,” Rudley questioned, “Because we're an educational institution. We're here to educate students we're not here trying to referee between a person who has a right to carry a gun and a student who might get shot accidentally.”

Constable Walker recommends TSU reach out to Governor Greg Abbott to see if the campus can opt out of this legislation.