The University of Utah students are to be commended for issuing a statement on Sept. 26 condemning the callous response of the university to the murder of Lauren McCluskey. Shortly after her murder, President Ruth Watkins made the incredible claim that, in spite of numerous shortcomings in the university’s response to Lauren’s pleas for help, the University of Utah could not have prevented this crime.
Now, after a lawsuit has been filed by Lauren McCluskey’s parents, the University of Utah has responded by saying that it is not responsible for protecting their students from persons who do not live or work on the university campus.
This is equivalent to saying that the Salt Lake City police department should only be responsible for protecting its residents from those who live in the city or that the Utah police can only protect Utah residents from those criminals living in Utah.
University of Utah President Ruth Watkins has led the way in denying responsibility for Lauren’s murder. Her efforts have brought shame to the university she leads and fear to many students under her jurisdiction.
If the University of Utah is to erase its reputation as an institution that will not accept responsibility for its actions, Ruth Watkins must be replaced by a new president who will restore compassionate leadership to this position.
Larry Seeborg, Sandy