LEWISTON, Maine – On the evening of Oct. 25, a chilling iMessage notification sent shockwaves to both current and former students of Bates College. The message warned of an active shooter in the city of Lewiston, Maine, as well as at the Spare Time Bowling alley. As the situation unfolded, news of at least 10 deaths due to a gunman on the loose emerged, leaving the small town reeling from the tragedy.
The impact of the mass shooting reverberated beyond the borders of Lewiston, reaching a former student at Vanderbilt University who had once called the town home. Despite being miles away, the fear and concern for the safety of friends, professors, and other acquaintances in Lewiston remained palpable. The anxiety of the unknown fate of loved ones and the lingering dread of the possibility of such violence occurring closer to home brought the harsh reality of mass shootings to the forefront.
The experience served as a stark reminder of the frequency of mass shootings and their pervasive impact on American society. The normalization of gun violence has desensitized many to the extent that it takes a personal connection to truly comprehend the depth of the issue. The fear of potential violence transcends physical proximity, casting a shadow of unease and uncertainty over individuals and communities, regardless of their location.
The threat of gun violence extends to university campuses, prompting difficult questions about the preparedness and response of institutions in the event of such a tragedy. The role of neutrality in the face of such a critical issue is questioned, as the need for a clear stance on improving gun control measures becomes increasingly apparent. While expressions of solidarity and condolences are offered in the aftermath of such violence, the calls for meaningful action and proactive measures to prevent similar incidents grow louder.
In the wake of the Lewiston tragedy, the urgency for universities to stand in solidarity and advocate for change in addressing gun violence has become more pressing than ever. The need for proactive and decisive action to ensure the safety and well-being of students and society at large is a shared responsibility that cannot be ignored. As the shadow of gun violence continues to loom large, the time for decisive action and unwavering solidarity among universities and communities is now.