VPUL holds Penn Walk forum

In an attempt to address recent concerns regarding racial prejudices against African American walking escorts, the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life sponsored a safety and community-building forum Monday night. According to Barbara Cassel, assistant vice provost for university life and meeting coordinator, the purpose of the event was to build community ties and increase use of University safety services. No students other than Penn Walk and Penn Watch employees attended the event, which was held in Houston Hall. Cassel attributed the lack of attendance to poor publicity. Cassel said she had hoped the informal gathering would allow students who provide safety services to discuss their programs and share opinions on problems with the services. Interim Chaplain Frederic Guyott said he attended to learn more about the safety services offered on campus. "Years ago we didn't have these services, so I'm just here to try to learn more about the University," Guyott said. Others in attendance included Penn Women's Center Director Elena DiLapi, Manager of Walking Escort Linda Wilson and Director of Victim Support and Special Services Maureen Rush. Wilson said she and her peers were present at the meeting in order to provide support and praise to the people who work for the various safety services. "We are pleased with the service of walking escorts so far," she said. According to Cassel, the meeting was also designed to make participants aware of the different safety services offered at the University. Representatives from Penn Watch and Penn Escort discussed their organizations' function. After the meeting ended, many students were eager to voice their opinions on the September 28 article in The Daily Pennsylvanian which cited students claiming racial prejudice against Penn Walk employees. "It doesn't make sense for people to call the service and then be afraid of the service itself," said College senior and Alpha Phi Alpha Vice President Max Covil, a walking escort. "We take our jobs very seriously." Covil's walking partner, Drexel senior and Alpha Phi Alpha President Moses Hart, said he felt the article was "blown out of proportion," but that such incidents are real. But Rush said she thought the article had a positive effect. "One, it made people aware of the program," she said, noting an increase in the average number of escorts requested each night -- from 12 to 39. "[And] two, people are coming up to these walking escorts and thanking them for what they are doing." Despite the lack of students, University Police Officer Paul Misner found the meeting worthwhile. "It's good to see different units that deal with safety get together on a not pressing issue," he said.