<p>A few observations about this, but let me start by saying that of course any shootings even this close are disturbing. Having said that:</p>
<p>1) I took the dates back all the way to one year ago and there were no additional shootings, and 2 of these 3 you mention took place at the same time so in fact were apparently one incident. Given the tight proximity of the shootings, it appears to be something personal involved as opposed to a random violent crime. That last is obviously not a fact at this point, but a fairly good guess.</p>
<p>2) In any urban area a few blocks can make a huge difference. 6 blocks can be a lot, especially when you compare the density of people in the one area (near Jacques-Imo’s) to the other. Students learn quickly where the “perimeter” is. And to be clear to those reading this that are not as familiar with the geography, those shootings were something on the order of 25-30 blocks from the edge of campus, although you are of course correct that Oak and Maple Streets have popular places for the students to hang out and some of those places are maybe 10 blocks from where these took place.</p>
<p>3) Even though I consider walking down St. Charles to be pretty safe, even at night, I would still recommend that nobody walk alone at that time of night anywhere, and not just in New Orleans.</p>
<p>I just looked up the reports on these incidents, and indeed the shootings all seem to be related and personal. There was also a stabbing in the same area a few days before, and it was a domestic dispute. So while not pretty, none of the incidents seem to be the kind of street crime that would impact students, other than being a bystander. Which I am not trying to trivialize, just saying it wasn’t an armed robbery gone bad or similar type of crime. That is what I was worried about a couple of years ago when there were a few of those, although no one ever got hurt. But they caught the guy(s) responsible and they stopped, plus Tulane and New Orleans took significant steps to improve safety.</p>
<p>cbrand, try looking at the crime maps for University of Chicago - Hyde park area. Or USC’s DPS reports. Actually, any campus that you can think of within a large city, from Fordham to USF. I can tell you personally that 6 blocks in one direction vs another in Chicago’s Hyde Park area is the difference between getting home safely and, well…This issue is simply NOT unique to NOLA or Tulane. What’s important is what a school does to keep the students as safe as possible, and Tulane gets an A+ in this regard from everything I that have learned these days.</p>
<p>Well the area you are referencing is a residential area known as Holly Grove. There is nothing there for your son or any other Tulane student. My son was warned to stay away from that area his very first week at Tulane. It’s the neighborhood that rapper L’il Wayne grew up in. I only heard about it because he thought it was cool that L’il Wayne grew up in New Orleans. A lot can change in 5 or 6 blocks in New Orleans, but I lived there for 7 years and I am pretty sure you and your son would notice the change in the area without anyone having to tell you that you didn’t belong there. Personally, I wouldn’t go more than one block off of Carrollton north of Oak Street - and I would probably be looking over my shoulder then. I think the triangular area of Carrollton and Oak Street to the River is a reasonably safe and well traveled area, particularly in the area closer to Carrollton. I would also say that the majority of the time students spend on Oak and Maple, they are East of Carrollton (or between campus and Carrollton). So I stand by the comment that your child won’t be frequenting that area and that it would be clear to them that they shouldn’t. I would also agree with FC, I probably wouldn’t recommend anybody walk alone down St. Charles or anywhere else for that matter after dark - no matter how nice the neighborhood. I have tried to impress that upon my son who likes to think it’s different for a “guy.” </p>
<p>I will say that my son did work on a house for Habitat in that area as part of his service curriculum freshman year. The students are bussed into the neighborhood and know not to wander. The neighbors are respectful and appreciate the help for their area. It is a much darker place when the sun goes down though.</p>
<p>I’ve lived in NOLA for many years and have never had a problem. I was an undergraduate at Tulane and only recall one crime incident that happened to someone with whom I was acquainted–he was mugged downtown, gave up his wallet (as he should), and that was the end of it. Campus is completely safe, 24/7.</p>
<p>NOLA has a high crime rate, but it is not indiscriminate; it is mostly gang/drug-related and accordingly does not touch Tulane.</p>
<p>The fact of the matter, perhaps regrettable in a way, is that if you are not a poor African-American your chance of being the victim of serious crime in NOLA is low. There are several major community efforts here aimed at addressing this particular crime problem.</p>
<p>I haven’t watched the video yet and my son has committed to Tulane. We’re from New York so I feel as comfortable with him going to NOLA as I would if he were going to Columbia in NYC. </p>
<p>One thing no one has mentioned is that a girl was raped at Loyola a few months ago, I believe in a parking garage? I don’t remember the details now but thought it was worth a mention.</p>
<p>Mavitale, the indivuals apparently knew each other. The Hullabaloo article is below</p>
<p>POSTED: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013 12:17 PM | UPDATED: 7:52 AM, TUE FEB 26, 2013.
0 COMMENTS
Posted on February 21, 2013
by Emma Discher
A Loyola University student reported being sexually assaulted in the stairwell of the Freret Street Parking Garage on Loyolas campus at 4:12 a.m. on Friday.
In an email to local news agencies, New Orleans Police Department said that the attack was not random. The woman had met the man at a local bar earlier that night.
The victim further stated that she allowed him to walk her home, at which time she alleges that he sexually assaulted her while they were in the Loyola parking garage, the email said. Detectives have been in contact with the suspect and will be meeting with him at a scheduled time. This is an ongoing investigation.
Friday evening, Loyola University Police Department sent an email out informing Loyola students and staff of the incident at approximately 7:57 p.m. and included a list of safety tips.
The suspect has been identified by the victim, and New Orleans Police is handling the investigation, the LUPD email said.</p>
<p>Good to know, thanks. (not that it makes it any less horrible for the girl)</p>