Three violent incidents in seven days force Bend students to demand safety overhaul

Students at Oregon State University’s Cascades campus in Bend are demanding stronger safety measures after three violent incidents occurred within a seven day span. The cluster of events includes two reported sexual assaults in university housing and a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, located a few miles from the campus. Student leaders say the frequency of these events has left the community feeling vulnerable regarding their physical, sexual, and emotional security.

University officials confirmed that the two assaults were reported on October 8 and October 10 in the campus’s only residential hall. A letter to students stated that the victims did not know the assailants. Both incidents remain under investigation. The shooting at the nearby elementary school closed OSU-Cascades for the following Friday. Classes resumed at the start of this week, while the school remains closed indefinitely and the Bend-La Pine School District has stayed shut.

Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, presented these concerns to the Oregon State University Board of Trustees on Friday. Woekel noted that the three distinct events happened in quick succession. In response to the alleged assaults, campus safety hours have already been extended to a 24/7 schedule. Student leaders are now urging partners to re-examine and expand emergency protocols, specifically those for active shooter situations. They also want to ensure all students know about available sexual violence prevention and response resources.

Interim Chancellor and Dean Christine Pollard addressed the community after the assault reports. She emphasized that creating a safe campus is a shared responsibility. Pollard encouraged the close-knit community to support one another and provided lists of confidential and non-confidential resources for those affected. Board of Trustees Chair Karla Chambers also spoke to the group, stating that the entire university family stands with the Bend community. She acknowledged that the healing process will take a substantial amount of time.

Campus organizations have mobilized to provide support. Student leaders set up letter-writing stations for messages to the elementary school’s parent-teacher organization. Employees at the campus Makerspace lab built an engraved memorial shrine. Student Health and Wellness and the Student Counseling Center opened confidential drop-in sessions for anyone, whether directly impacted or not. Woekel described the community as unified in helping one another get through these times.

National attention on campus sexual violence has intensified recently. Five incidents were reported during the first week of classes at the University of Oregon’s Eugene campus. Discussions also continue over an alleged 2024 rape case at Cornell University. These recent events at OSU-Cascades add to the growing pressure on higher education institutions to improve safety infrastructure and response times.