The College Fix

University has faced criticism for response to crime issues

Temple University’s president will leave his job this Friday after only starting in the role in July 2021.

The university’s board of trustees announced that President Jason Wingard resigned and will leave office on March 31.

Wingard’s (pictured) resignation comes amidst ongoing campus safety issues, including the killing of a university police officer in February.

Chairman Mitchell Morgan stated:

Given the urgent matters now facing the University, particularly campus safety, the Board and the administration will ensure the highest level of focus on these serious issues. We understand that a concerted and sustained effort must be undertaken as we attempt to solve these problems.

At the same time, we acknowledge that these issues adversely affect all of the University’s constituencies. We recognize that solutions will be most effective, impactful and long-lasting when they reflect the perspectives of so many different groups who care deeply about Temple’s future. We remain confident that the University can overcome these challenges with your support.

The Temple University Police Association said it wants to work with the next leadership team on campus safety issues.

“TUPA is eager to form a working relationship with Temple University’s new leadership team,” the union wrote in a March 28 tweet. “We are dedicated to working together to implement proven strategies to increase safety on campus.”

TUPA is eager to form a working relationship with Temple University’s new leadership team. We are dedicated to working together to implement proven strategies to increase safety on campus.

We will continue to advocate for our members and the community.

— Temple University Police Association (@officialTUPA) March 28, 2023

Crime remains an issue at the Philadelphia university, as extensively reported by The College Fix. Furthermore, TUPA has been critical of the university’s response.

The union told The Fix in June 2022 that it wants to see a proactive policing approach that uses data and more cops.

“We believe that if we had the proper resources, such as a properly staffed police department, and a data driven ideology to policing, we can drastically cut down on violent crime in the Temple Area,” police officer and union president Alec Shaffer told The Fix.

“Nothing has been effective in reducing crime near Temple because there are no crime fighting measures in place,” the police union president said. “We are strictly a reactionary force and nothing is being done to actually prevent crime.”

Students recently told The Fix they want to see action, not just more lighting or security cameras.

“Better lighting and cameras is certainly a step in the right direction and might ease concerns for some students,” student Ethan Torri told The Fix for a February article. “However I feel a police presence is most important and would have students feel more secure.”

“What Temple needs to do is increase the number of law enforcement around Temple to protect their students from any danger that presents itself,” student Nick Deon told The Fix for the same article.

MORE: Temple University parents demand more cops

IMAGE: NBC 10 Philadelphia/YouTube

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