Following a recent increase in concern over campus safety, student leaders reached out to city officials who spoke to student government Monday about student-city collaboration.
After the discontinuation of SAFEcab, members of student government grew concerned over the safety of students trying to return home late at night.
Ald. Scott Resnick, District 8, said students play an important role in much of the city’s legislation and they should voice their opinions about subjects affecting them.
“I hope to see students get involved on city committees because whether it means new street lights, whether it means how city officers interact … all are paid for by student taxes,” Resnick said.
Associated Students of Madison Legislative Affairs Chair Dan Statter agreed with the alder and said student-city collaboration results in more effective laws.
“There is a really sincere and genuine interest on the side of city officials to know what is going on at [the student] level,” Statter said. “Ultimately the outcomes reflect that collaboration between … student opinion and city legislation.”
As violence on campus has increased in recent months, city council members have passed legislation, such as increasing the number of lights over the summer, in response to student concern about safety.
Additionally Monday, the city passed further legislation allowing security cameras on campus for extra protection.
“When we don’t have communication with students, we don’t know as a city body, as a city entity whether we are being effective or not,” Resnick said. “Having that direct communication, particularly with ASM or with the entire student body is quintessentially very important for the city council.”
