LSU’s flag will fly at half-staff this week in remembrance of the Northern Illinois University tragedy that occurred Thursday leaving six dead and 18 injured. In an effort to provide an avenue of communication, Student Government has reserved two tables in Free Speech Alley from Tuesday to Friday for students to express their condolences in writing to the NIU community. The second of the two tables will provide materials for students to extend sympathies in the aftermath of the shootings of Louisiana Technical College. SG executive staff members will send the signatures to NIU student representatives by the end of the week. “This is an opportunity for us to come together with other colleges from the across the country,” said Parker Wishik, SG director of communications. Several peer institutions across the nation are bonding together to remember those who lost their lives Thursday and focusing on the importance of safety. NIU Senate Speaker Rob Batey told LSU SG members that the NIU Student Association has requested inquirers to send banners and letters of encouragement to help NIU students during this mourning period. Wishik said the Dec. 13 double homicide at Edward Gay Apartments on campus and the most recent armed robberies on campus have encouraged all departments to join together in presenting, defending and promoting the institute’s safety initiatives. “Through this years’ tragedies, we recognize even more so the importance of bonding together as a campus community both in support of our peer institutions and of our own,” Wishik said. SG President Cassie Alsfeld extended her personal sympathies to Batey and NIU Student Association President Jarvis Purnell with the promise that the University is willing to offer any additional assistance needed. SG Vice President Josh King said a wreath is being sent to NIU and LTC in addition to a letter from Acting Chancellor William Jenkins. “It is very tragic that we are seeing a lot of these copy-cat shootings across the nation,” King said. “I think it’s important we stick together to say this is not something that is acceptable.”
Contact Natalie Messina at [email protected]