Purdue Convocations enacts
new security policy
By Laura Pelner
Campus
Editor
Purdue Convocations announced a new security policy
Monday that will not allow backpacks or bookbags to be brought into
performances without being searched first.
"It's basically a plan to make sure that we are
being quite aware of safety issues for our audiences," said Todd Wetzel,
director of Purdue Convocations. "We want people to know we are taking
steps to be as safe as we can be in this new environment."
Wetzel said the new security measures are in part
a response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and also part of Purdue's
heightened security measures.
"We want people to know we are being proactive,"
he said.
The new security measures won't be a major change
for most people, Wetzel said, but they do give convocations staff the
right to search any bag brought in.
"We would prefer that people don't bring things
in," Wetzel said. "If they do, it can't come in unless it's subject
to a search."
He said women who have purses or need to bring
in a bag with items for their children can still do so, but the bags
will still be searched.
"We're not trying to be difficult, we're just trying
to provide for safety and make people realize we are taking steps (so
they) can feel confident we are doing something," Wetzel said.
This new policy, which regards all convocations
and student concert committee events, is effective immediately. Wetzel
said the measures were already used last week and everyone whose property
was searched was cooperative. He said bags are already searched for
athletic events so this policy simply continues what's already being
done on campus.
"Ultimately this is becoming part of the new standard
of safety and security at Purdue," Wetzel said.
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