Beckles: UNC full of 'hot air' on crime

The University of North Carolina is once again under scrutiny over how it handles campus crime, and UNC student activist and commentator Jahlani Beckles is not holding back. In a recent commentary, Beckles criticized UNC’s administration for what he calls a superficial approach to public safety, calling much of their messaging “hot air” that does little to address the real issues facing students and the surrounding community.

Campus Crime: More Than Just Statistics

UNC, like many large universities, routinely publishes crime reports and safety updates to comply with federal Clery Act requirements. These reports provide data on assaults, thefts, burglaries, and other offenses, often accompanied by statements highlighting security measures and ongoing efforts to keep students safe.

Beckles, however, argues that these statistics paint an incomplete picture. “They can put out charts, graphs, and press releases all day,” Beckles said. “But if students feel unsafe walking across campus at night or know peers who’ve been victimized without adequate response, those numbers don’t mean a thing.”

His critique is rooted in personal observation and experiences shared by UNC students. From poorly lit walkways to delayed reporting procedures and perceived gaps in enforcement, Beckles maintains that the administration’s approach prioritizes image over actual safety.

The Disconnect Between Administration and Students

According to Beckles, the university’s leadership often focuses on messaging designed to reassure parents and prospective students rather than addressing students’ lived realities. While security cameras, blue-light emergency stations, and campus police patrols are touted in official communications, Beckles argues that many incidents occur in areas that remain underserved or poorly monitored.

“Hot air doesn’t stop crime,” he said. “You need boots on the ground, meaningful engagement with students, and clear accountability for both offenders and the university itself.”

This criticism resonates with several student groups who feel that UNC’s crime prevention strategies are reactive rather than proactive. Programs like self-defense workshops or awareness campaigns, while helpful, do not necessarily reduce the underlying risks students face daily.

Calls for Transparency and Reform

Beckles has called on UNC to increase transparency around how crime is handled, including reporting response times, disciplinary actions, and follow-ups with victims. He argues that students deserve more than annual statistics—they need tangible policies that create safer environments and meaningful recourse when safety is compromised.

Some suggested reforms include:

• Expanded lighting and surveillance across campus pathways and student housing areas.
• Faster and more accessible reporting mechanisms for victims of crime.
• Enhanced coordination with local law enforcement to address off-campus incidents that impact students.
• Regular town halls and student forums to allow for direct dialogue between administrators, campus police, and the student body.

“These aren’t radical ideas,” Beckles explained. “They’re basic steps any responsible institution should take to protect its students. The problem is not lack of awareness—it’s lack of action.”

The Broader Context of Campus Safety

UNC is not alone in facing criticism over campus safety. Universities nationwide are under pressure to balance transparency, legal obligations, and public relations while addressing complex social issues, including sexual assault, theft, and violence. Beckles’ critique reflects a larger conversation about whether institutional policies truly serve students or primarily protect reputations.

Experts in campus safety stress that meaningful improvements require collaboration between administrators, law enforcement, mental health services, and the student body. It’s not enough to rely on email alerts or annual crime reports. Programs must be tailored to the specific risks of a campus community, incorporating both prevention and response strategies.

Student Voices and Activism

Beckles’ outspoken stance has inspired other students to speak up. Social media campaigns, op-eds, and campus forums have amplified concerns about unsafe areas, delayed responses, and perceived underreporting of incidents. The growing activism underscores a demand for accountability and measurable outcomes, not just assurances.

“Students are not passive observers of their safety—they’re stakeholders,” Beckles emphasized. “Administrators need to treat us as such, or they risk eroding trust completely.”

Looking Ahead

UNC officials have not issued a formal response to Beckles’ comments, though representatives have reiterated their commitment to student safety through traditional channels, citing programs like 24/7 campus police patrols, anonymous tip lines, and emergency alert systems.

For Beckles and like-minded students, the focus remains on substantive changes rather than slogans. “It’s time for action, not rhetoric,” he concluded. “Until the university addresses the gaps in safety that students experience daily, all their reports and press releases are just hot air.”

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