Dear Andrew Blake,

The featured article by Michelle Matthews in last week’s Generation is one-sided and somewhat inaccurate. First off, no one bothered to find out why the ARTF Safety Shuttle did not run on Friday the 12th, making people assume that we had a choice in the matter. Being the first time the shuttle was cancelled this year, it was due to an employee quitting on the spot in the middle of his shift; there was nothing we could do about it. We gladly would have run the service if we had the man power necessary to run it effectively.

In regards to University Heights Collaborative, it would have been helpful to provide information about the group and how students and residents of University Heights can get involved in that, as well the three neighborhood watch groups that the The Buffalo News reported. Furthermore, a UB student mentioned that ARTF needs to do more to make our presence known. We have advertised on our website, at our events, during counseling sessions, on the UB Stampede, and I’m sure you have seen the safety shuttles driving around on South Campus. We even have an ad on the first page of your publication. Along with advertising, we do educate incoming freshmen at orientation about safety while living on or near campus. You also provided incorrect information about the ARTF services: the walk stations run Sunday through Thursday, 8 p.m.-Midnight, but the safety shuttle runs seven days a week 8 p.m.-Midnight. We understand that students may be vulnerable after midnight, but until we find more participation from students, it is difficult to meet these increasing needs. Do keep in mind that there are other ways to get home safely after hours.

There are cab services, friends with vehicles, and buddy systems. It is up to the student to be responsible and use common sense if they know they will be out after ARTF services have ended. We offer tips and services to help keep campus safe, and the UB Police can refer students to self defense courses in Buffalo and where to obtain pepper spray.

Being that we both work under the same student organization of Sub Board, it would be generous of you to get our information correct, and not put fear into students by making it seem like nothing is being done to improve safety on and around campus. In 1970, ARTF was started by student volunteers working for free because they wanted to and knew that it would be a useful service. With the decreasing amount of participation, we have had to offer stipend positions to those qualified and interested, but we still need student volunteers in order to effectively run our services. It takes a lot of students to keep a big campus like this safe. Just know that we are doing the best we can with what we have. Rather than criticizing us for not doing enough, it would be nice if you encouraged student participation.

Sincerely,

Safiyya Hunter,

ARTF Education Coordinator

Stacy Fredrick,

ARTF Walk Station Coordinator