Nearly one year ago the University of Idaho community was devastated by the death of graduate student Katy Benoit, who was shot and killed by former UI assistant professor Ernesto A. Bustamante.
Benoit’s death was an unspeakable tragedy that brought into question the safe environment we have always relied on at UI and in Moscow. But if anything positive can come from a tragedy, it is when a lesson is learned.
A task force appointed by UI examined the university’s safety practices and outlined several recommendations for improving campus safety. UI has made progress in fulfilling these recommendations such as requiring criminal background checks of all new employees and developing a one-page synopsis of what to do in an emergency.
The university has also scheduled the first Katy Benoit Safety forum from Sept. 19-27. The forum, which will become an annual fall event, will educate the campus community about high-risk behaviors and other practices to increase campus safety.
But the most important lesson we can learn from Benoit’s death is the importance of standing up for those who need our help.
As the 2012-13 school year unfolds, be aware of those around you who may be caught in dangerous situations. Use common sense and trust your instincts to determine if someone is in trouble.
Doing the right thing and asking for help isn’t always easy. It can create an uncomfortable situation for yourself, your friends and your peers. But doing the right thing could also save someone’s life.
No incident is too small or trivial to ask for help. Resources are available on campus, such as the Counseling and Testing Center and Dean of Students office.
At noon today, UI will dedicate a memorial to Benoit on the Administration Building’s east lawn — a granite bench inscribed with the words “In memory of Katy’s journey, her care for others, her willingness to speak up, and her courage to make a difference.”
Benoit’s memorial will serve as a reminder, but it’s the responsibility of UI students, faculty and staff to remember what happened August 22, 2011.
And to remember to always ask and to listen when help is needed.
— EE