The implementation of new standards of security in the dorms in response to the sexual assault that occurred on Jan. 29 is a sign of a promising culture shift at California State University, Stanislaus.

The University Police Department and the administrative staff handled the situation smoothly and with great care. The crime was reported on Feb. 4 and the crime alert went out to students two days later, on Feb. 6.

Although in some life-threatening circumstances, 48 hours would be considered a slow time frame to inform students if they were in danger; in this case it spoke to the amount of detail and attention the officers and staff were paying to the crime and how to inform the public about it.

Unfortunately, statistics show us this is not and will not be an isolated incident. It will happen again.

What this incident does show is the importance of the discussions that are regularly being implemented at our university and in the surrounding community about Title IX, rape culture and campus safety. Whenever a crime like this occurs, the only positivity we can find as a group is the way people come together to offer support and solutions.

We need to continue to push toward the direction of a safer campus in which all members are aware and involved.

As this is a prominent national issue, CSU Stanislaus should serve as an example of solidarity and strength that all institutions of higher education should strive to embody.

This week, look to our articles on page two and eight that provide in greater detail information about this specific incident and the resources and events available to students in regards to campus safety and sexual violence prevention as a whole.

What The Signal wants now is to hear from you. How do you feel about this situation? Do you think the university is handling it appropriately or can they do more?

Please send us letters to the editor at [email protected].