The reopening of Frank & Estella Beam Hall (BEH) this semester comes with new security upgrades, but, for many students, it’s a reminder that no amount of cameras or keycard access can erase the deep-seated fear that lingers after the Dec. 6 shooting.
While UNLV’s newly announced safety measures reflect an effort to move forward, they also expose a harsh reality: feeling truly safe on campus may no longer be possible for the UNLV community. The tragic events of Dec. 6 serve as a stark reminder that the scars of such incidents linger far beyond physical spaces, affecting the sense of security and peace of mind for everyone at UNLV.
Harriet Barlow, executive director of the Intersection, shared what she has observed while listening to students and faculty on campus: “I think in general, students have always talked about not necessarily feeling safe on campus. What happened on Dec. 6 just escalated those feelings—you always have your head on a swivel now.” Despite the steps taken to enhance safety in BEH, the emotional impact remains profound, and many feel the university’s efforts, though well-intentioned, may never fully address the deeper fears that now shadow campus life.
President Whitfield’s July 25 announcement detailed new safety measures for BEH, including restricted access to upper floors, requiring a proximity card or stairwell key for entry and the installation of telephones with enhanced emergency notification capabilities in classrooms. According to LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill’s interview with CNN, BEH had no interior cameras at the time of the shooting; since then, five surveillance cameras have been installed throughout the building. Yet even these physical upgrades cannot fully restore the lost sense of safety.
Anai Rico, a pre-comprehensive medical screening major, shared her evolving perspective on campus safety: “Before the shooting, I felt safe; I never thought about the dangers of strangers walking on campus. But after what happened on Dec. 6, I am more aware of my surroundings than ever.” Rico’s words reflect a haunting reality: once shattered, the sense of safety is difficult to rebuild, no matter how many new protocols are put in place.
Addressing specific vulnerabilities in BEH while broader concerns remain unaddressed has also left many students uneasy and distrustful. “I feel like they haven’t done enough across campus. I still don’t entirely feel safe,” Rico said. The uneven application of safety protocols adds to the sense of vulnerability. While BEH benefits from increased security, the rest of the campus remains without similar protections.
A comprehensive approach to safety is essential, but even then, no amount of surveillance or restricted access can erase the lived experiences of those affected. “I don’t think they will ever be able to do anything that actually makes me feel safer,” Barlow admitted. “I think what comes into play is, what can the university do so that if and when something like that happens again, you can be safe?”
The physical measures are a step forward, but the real challenge lies in the emotional aftermath—a task that requires empathy, transparency and a commitment to listening to those who call this campus home.
