Queens Uplifted, a student organization at The University of Southern Mississippi, held a “big sister” session on Nov. 13 to discuss security concerns faced by women on campus. The organization aims to empower African American women and encourage them to recognize their worth and strive for success. Event chair Olivia Walker explained the purpose of the monthly sessions.
“Once a month, we come together to talk about central topics, and this one was about how it feels to be a woman on campus and women’s mental health while going through your years at Southern Miss,” Walker said.
The event provided a platform for women to openly discuss campus safety issues and explore solutions. It also served as a space for raising awareness about concerns that often go unaddressed. The discussion focused on women’s safety concerns, particularly the desire to walk freely on campus without fear. As a public university with an open campus, Southern Miss presents certain safety challenges. Attendees noted that while campus police patrol the area, including dorm parking lots and other high-traffic areas, safety concerns remain, especially for women walking alone.
Dr. Candice Salyers, a guest speaker at the event and director of the Southern Miss Women’s Center, provided insights during the session. Salyers, also a professor of dance, explained that while the women’s center does not yet have a physical location, it is connected to the university’s women’s general studies minor.
“It’s meant to be a place where women, faculty, staff, students, and community members can come together to show up and support each other,” Salyers said.
Salyers also addressed the women’s concerns, offering guidance on campus safety resources, such as emergency call button booths located across campus. According to the university’s website, the University Police Department (UPD) has placed over 30 Code Blue Phones around the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses. However, attendees expressed concerns about the functionality of the emergency booths and the response times of campus police. Some noted that pressing the emergency button may not guarantee immediate assistance, potentially leaving individuals vulnerable during emergencies.
For more information on campus safety, contact the University Police Department at (601) 266-4986, or visit them on the first floor of Bond Hall. In the case of an emergency, call 911.
