Sororities at a well-known university in southern California are now employing private security for nighttime protection due to ongoing harassment issues involving homeless individuals. This situation has left many students feeling uneasy, as reported by a recent article.
The UCLA Panhellenic Association, recognized as the largest women’s organization on campus, has taken measures by hiring private security personnel. These officers will patrol sorority row, situated along several blocks of Hilgard Avenue within the bustling Los Angeles campus, as detailed by the California Post.
Students have expressed concerns over confrontational interactions with homeless individuals who frequently approach them with inappropriate comments. Many young women have criticized campus police, accusing them of being slow to respond to these pressing safety concerns.
A Google Maps image shows the Delta Gamma sorority house located on UCLA’s sorority row, captured at an unspecified time.
In a conversation with The Post, 20-year-old student Ani Hovanesian shared her frustration, “We had a meeting with UCPD a few weeks ago and it didn’t go well. They seemed unaware of the issue and not really proactive. They kept turning it back on us like ‘why aren’t you calling 911 or reporting any of this’ and it’s like ummm, we are and that’s why we’re here.”
Another student, Catherine Nichley, also 20, mentioned that she doesn’t feel “completely safe” on campus.
“The weird part is that it’s usually the same three homeless men hanging around this row, typically between 40 and 60 years old, often sitting at the bus stop,” she told The Post.
She described one man, dubbed “The Hilgard Screamer,” who randomly yells at all hours of the day and night.
The Apha Phi sorority house UCLA’s sorority row taken on an unknown date. (Google Maps)
“These men stare into your soul,” Nichley told the outlet. “They make lewd comments, and I’ve actually yelled back, ‘What are you looking at?’ because it feels so creepy.”
Another sorority member said she rarely sees campus police in the area, and that she feels safer walking near the fraternity houses, where there is a larger police presence. She added that sometimes, homeless people sleep on the lawns of the sorority houses.
The University of California Police Department said it conducts regular patrols in the area.
Janss Steps on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles on Oct. 20, 2017. (MichaelGordon1/Getty Images)
“UCPD takes seriously the concerns students have raised about harassment and unsettling behavior near Hilgard Avenue. Students should feel safe where they live, study and walk near campus, and we are listening closely,” the department told Fox News Digital.
“UCPD conducts regular and directed patrols in the area, including increased evening presence, and continues to work with campus partners, student leaders and chapter stakeholders to address concerns and connect students with support,” the department added.
Fox News Digital reached out to UCLA Panhellenic Association.
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