An article from the Portland Orient, September 21, 2002. Page 11

To the Editor:

All the talk about the homelessness ordinance has overlooked one issue: safety. Not everyone feels totally safe on campus—especially at night—and that’s partly because of some of the homeless men that hang out across the street from the student union.

I live off campus. When I need to go to campus for something at night, I make sure I never go alone. I’ll either get one of my roommates to go with me, or I’ll call the Campus Escorts to walk with me where I’m going.

Why do I do this? I’m scared to walk alone. Last year, when I was walking to my car from the library around 10:30, an older guy followed me for about three or four blocks, yelling insulting things. I don’t know whether this “gentleman” was homeless. I don’t think he could have done anything either, because he was so drunk that he could barely walk straight.

But since then, I haven’t taken any chances. I know that lots of people say that the ordinance is an extreme measure. But what about those of us who feel that we’re not entirely safe in the neighborhoods around campus?

Sincerely,

Katy Chin
Junior
English major

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