Bullying isn’t just for grade school. Although classic cases of bullying that involve shoving students into lockers or teasing because of appearance are not commonly found on campus, more severe cases of bullying are found.
Here at Salt Lake Community College bullying is still just as prevalent, involving cases that escalate to levels that include stalking, harassment and even assault.
“We wouldn’t call it so much bullying,” says Utah Highway Patrol trooper Scott Pruden. “There is a big difference because here we deal with what are considered crimes, we don’t get complaints about students getting shoved in lockers.”
Many crimes such as harassment, stalking or even sexual assault can start out as a small case of bullying. The crime rate at SLCC isn’t as high when it comes to these types of crimes, however safety has become a big issue that has many concerned, including a large portion of female students.
Harassment is one of the highest reported crimes on campus, especially at larger campuses like Taylorsville Redwood and South City.
Harassment between students is the closest thing to bullying at SLCC; there might be other small issues like arguments between boyfriends and girlfriends or married couples.
Stalking has also been reported, mostly from ex-girlfriends or ex-boyfriends. Sexual assaults may occur in company with stalking or harassment, however there are very few cases reported.
There is a UHP trooper at every campus whose door is always open for any help a student, staff or faculty member might need.
“As small as the problem may seem, we want students to come to us so we can interfere before anything escalates further and someone gets hurt,” says Trooper Pruden. “We want SLCC students to know that we are here to help no matter what the situation might be.”
Student safety is one of SLCC’s highest priorities, whether it concerns a case of bullying, harassment or assault, students can be reassured that they can come in and file a report and it will be taken care of.
SLCC’s Public Safety Department can be reached any time at 801-957-3800. For any other immediate emergency, contact 911.
