Thank you for your letter. We are pleased that you have raised the issue of safety in the university environment. Even though your question is in regard to a specific aspect of safety, in some ways your question speaks to every parent’s concern for the safety of their children when they are away at college.

We felt that the issue of a potential gang problem at NIU was such an important concern that we wanted to provide you with the most reliable answer possible. Therefore, we brought your question to the attention of the Chief of NIU’s police. His response was very clear. He informed us that there is not a problem with gangs at Northern Illinois University.

Your question, however, speaks to a larger issue of how one deals with high pressure groups, which exist throughout society. All students need to develop the ability to say “No” and set limits regarding what they are willing and not willing to be involved in on any campus. We view this capacity to be a developmental skill that students should learn while they are in college, if they have not done so prior to their entry into college.

Here are some hints that may help your child avoid high pressure groups:

Encourage your daughter or son to reach out and seek the opinion of someone they trust who is not affiliated with the group in question. This could be a friend, parent, professor, counselor, residence hall staff, or a member of the clergy.

Encourage your daughter or son to not be afraid to take a stand and oppose messages that do not feel right. It is okay for your child to be skeptical and question things that are new to them. Learning to trust one’s instincts and having the courage to say “No” even when they are unsure is an important part of becoming an adult.

Listed below are some helpful resources on campus that your child could contact in the event that he or she is confronted with a high pressure group.

Student Involvement and Leadership Development
753-1421
Counseling and Student Development Center
753-1206
Ombudsman
753-1414
Judicial Affairs
753-1571
Student Affairs
753-1573

We realize that we have tried to answer your question in a broader context than it was originally asked. We hope that this conveys useful information for you and your daughter or son. We also hope that we have adequately conveyed the importance that the university places on safety concerns for all students.

Sincerely,