Happenings around UMass Lowell

It has been a busy week here at UMass Lowell especially for me. If you haven't heard or read the news, two three students have been struck by cars crossing the VFW/University Ave. The semester is just ending it's second month and to think there have already been that many accidents. It isn't much of a surprise that it occurs what is rated a top ten dangerous intersection in Massachusetts, but to have so many in such a short time frame is scary. Safety is always the priority of any school whether it be pre-k or a university.

Being on the student government here on campus, it is our job to promote that safety and respond to the concerns of the students as these events occur. I have been working non-stop with the Dean of Students and have now started to set up meetings with the police department and other people on campus who deal directly with student safety at crosswalks and in parking lots. I hope this meeting occurs ASAP, as I am leaving for 2 weeks in 15 days.

Other than the bad news of people being struck by vehicles, it is Black History Month and Social Justice week here on campus. There have been a slew of events happening all around campus to raise awareness about the social injustice we face each day. It is important for the community around the school to hear about these topics in ways they can relate. We are living in Lowell a melting pot of culture and diversity. To have a do not disturb sign when we see things that we know are wrong is absurd.

Last night I attended a very powerful and moving presentation labeled "The Voices for Innocence". It was about two men who had been wrongfully imprisoned for 45 years combined. I will dedicate a post specifically to the show later on in the week. But to sit there in that room and hear the story and emotion behind it was truly amazing. Well I will post later on about this piece of show that I have witnessed. Until the next blog toodles.