By: Caleb Mickler & Joe Milek

Xavier Student Government Association (SGA) and Xavier Police are collaborating more than ever this year to create safe and productive spaces on campus for dialogue and action. Most undergraduate students left campus in May, before a tumultuous and often violent summer began.

A few concerns that we have heard, particularly from students include:

* Police-related violence including the deadly shootings by police of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota and the killing of six police officers in Dallas.

* Potential threat of terrorism close to home with the announced arrest of alleged ISIL supporter Munir Abdulkader, who attended Xavier from 2013-2015.

* Upcoming trial for former University of Cincinnati police officer Ray Tensing, charged with killing an unarmed Cincinnati resident, Sam DuBose, after an off-campus traffic stop.

* Desire to be more proactive with regard to safety and emergency preparedness by engaging in training for scenarios such as a potential active shooter.

As a Jesuit institution, we pride ourselves on standing in solidarity with others as well as showing trust and respect to all. We believe in and want to live our motto, “all for one and one for all.”

A good deal of on-going work needs to be done on campus and it is imperative that we all play a part in assuring that our campus is safe and welcoming. “See something, say something” is more than just a slogan and #BeSafeXU is much more than a hashtag.

We are looking for passionate students to serve on the Student Relations Board. Members have a strong voice on all safety efforts. If you are interested in becoming a board member, or have any questions, opinions, comments or concerns, please contact Police Chief Joe Milek by calling 513-745-2000 or via email, milekj@xavier.edu, or SGA President Caleb Mickler by calling 513-745-3094 or via email, sga@xavier.edu.

We agree that all of us need to be the change we want to see in the world. Isolation and silence is definitely not the answer. So both of us challenge you to get involved, do your part and make a difference, #Let’sTalkXU.