I would like to call attention to the ineptitude of the erroneously-named “ISU Alerts” system. Instead of warning us about the dangerous chase [Monday], students who had signed up for the alert system were “warned” about it twenty minutes to an hour after events had transpired. This is completely unacceptable, as this is less of a warning than it is a report.

Two years ago, when I was a student at Kirkwood Community College, a shooting had occurred two blocks from campus. Within minutes of it having taken place, all students and staff who had signed up for the alerts system were notified and the whole campus was locked down. THIS is how an alerts system should function.

My letter is not so much to you, the editor, as it is a warning to ISU Alerts. I am not the only one infuriated by your lack of action in [Monday’s] highly dangerous situation. Students were nearly run down by the individual driving that truck. Parents were frantic — including my own. And upon learning of your incompetent handling of the situation, many are prepared to take legal action against [the university.] I highly recommend rectifying this in the future, as your failure to inform us of the danger around us could have cost students their lives. This will save students and their loved ones grief and harm, and also save Iowa State University quite a bit of liability. Furthermore, we do not pay thousands in tuition money to be left hung out to dry when someone decides to play Grand Theft Auto: Ames in Central Campus.

Since you’ve displayed a lack of knowledge in the area of safety and security, perhaps I can direct you to the head of Campus Security at Kirkwood Community College. Perhaps you might learn a thing or two to use in the future. You may reach her at [email protected] for some pointers.

I bid you all a good day. Stay safe – goodness knows that for myself to do so, I’ll have to watch my own back knowing that you won’t.