Midd Briefs Early Terror Warnings Alert College

Author: Dan Polifka

A recent article in The Chronicle of Higher Education focused on an issue of increasing concern for institutions of higher education: the potential for terrorist attacks on campus.
Although Middlebury College administrators acknowledge the possibility of a terrorist attack, however remote, the precautions taken to fortify campus security have been limited.
According to Director of Public Safety Lisa Boudah, standard procedures to safeguard against fires, bomb threats and other disasters are in place. Boudah added that the College is prepared to devise a strategy to deal with a terrorist attack on short notice, should the College be informed of a risk. No plans have been drawn up to date.
The Chronicle article, entitled "Colleges Intensify Security Planning in Wake of Heightened Warning on Terrorism," concentrated on schools in large, densely-populated areas, such as Columbia University, the Catholic University of America and the University of Maryland. These colleges have implemented a number of precautions, from increasing water and other crucial supplies to hiring additional security guards and revamping safety measures.
Although the article has had members of the College thinking about security, the administration does not see any need to create new security plans at this time. "Clearly there is a possibility [of an attack]," said Director of Public Affairs Phil Benoit, "but no one from the college community has contacted us with any concerns yet."