A few weeks back, Washington University unveiled a new policy banning motorized transportation on campus. However, there are still those who fail to acknowledge this as a reality and continue to utilize the scooters on campus property.

Some are willing to pay the price of on-campus parking passes, valued at $852 for the year, but for others in the Lofts, this financial strain limits their options for reliable ways to commute to campus.

Rather than leaving it to the students to protect themselves, the responsibility should be placed on the university who has adequate resources to do so.

Does Washington University care about its image with black St. Louis residents? WUPD clearly doesn’t. Surrounding communities, especially communities of color, are skeptical of Wash. U. This is a microcosm of why.

Communication is key: If students know more about what’s going on, they are better able to take safety precautions.

No one should ever feel afraid and threatened to the extent that they have to run away from their Uber and hide in an empty Ikea, wondering if help will arrive.

Not only should the University alert the student body when these crimes occur, many would appreciate continual updates afterward.

There exists a multifaceted explanation as to why there is an uptick of violence surrounding Washington University, but many of its factors have been ever-present and are continually reinforced by the University.

Washington University is a bubble. Students hardly get off campus, except for the Delmar Loop, and frequently their only knowledge of the St. Louis area consists of “don’t go north of Delmar Boulevard,” “the Metro is unsafe,” “don’t cross the river” or “stay in the county.”

It is easy to call upon the University to make things safer because they have the money, resources and concerned parents to make things happen. However, I challenge my peers to think outside of the Wash. U. bubble.