TUCSON, Ariz. — Members of the UArizona faculty are closely watching how the university implements the new safety policies outlined Friday morning. KGUN 9's Pat Parris spoke with professor Leila Hudson after the safety update from University President, Dr. Robert Robbins.
Hudson said she's cautiously optimistic about the plan.
"My concern as the chair of the faculty is whether change is coming fast enough," said Hudson.
Professor Hudson said the steps announced Friday by President Robbins are good first steps, but she still has questions about organizational culture and institutional practices when it comes to dealing with possible threats on campus.
"They have to do with making everyone feel safe, welcome and heard on campus," Hudson said. "Those are the changes that we need to see quickly going forward. I think the President understands that."
Hudson headed up a committee that looked into the university's response to the shooting death of Professor Thomas Meixner last year on campus. She was also part of the U of A Faculty Senate's vote of "no confidence" of Dr. Robbins and his management team last month. She said it was meant as a wake up call, and she believes Dr. Robbins listened.
RELATED: Rain gauge memorial installed at Holy Hope Cemetery in memory of late Dr. Thomas Meixner
"The president has personally assured me, and many others, of his new attention to these matters," Hudson told KGUN. "But building the structures is going to take time and building the trust is going to take even more time and we need to see that starting now."
Professor Hudson also said the University missed an opportunity this week to demonstrate the new procedures when they canceled in-person classes at the law school because of a possible threat without providing much communication.
RELATED PREVIOUS COVERAGE IN THE VIDEO PLAYER BELOW
——-
Brooke Long is Senior Executive Producer at KGUN 9. Brooke graduated from Midwestern State University in 2014 where she studied journalism and television production. She came to Tucson by way of Wichita Falls, Texas where she worked at KFDX-TV. Share your story ideas and important issues with Brooke by emailing brooke.long@kgun9.com.
——-
Pat Parris is an anchor and reporter for KGUN 9. He is a graduate of Sabino High School where he was the 1982 high school state track champion in the 800 meters. While in high school and college, he worked part-time in the KGUN 9 newsroom. Share your story ideas and important issues with Pat by emailing pat.parris@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
