Parents everywhere shuddered over the murder of Yale University grad student Annie Le, although last week's arrest of a lab technician calmed nerves somewhat. Police are calling it a tragic case of workplace violence, not a random campus killing. Tragic and horrible, but an isolated incident. Still, it's interesting than when we parents tour college campuses - our kids' potential new home - the last thing we seem to think about is campus safety. I've been on scores of campus tours and no one ever asks that question. Truth is, the most common campus crime is theft - bicycles and laptops, in particular. (And that's a major topic to address with your child, because these are crimes of opportunity.) But personal safety is a critical issue.
The Daily Beast has an interesting piece up about universities with the highest crime rates. Their Worst 25 Colleges list is fascinating - lists always are, and this one includes Harvard, Yale and other prestigious universities. But even more helpful are the side notes that provide context. And what it really comes down to is location, location, location. Emerson tops the list not because of on-campus assaults, but because of its proximity to Boston Common and a nearby, crime-riddled subway station where 80 robberies and 60 aggravated assaults occurred in 2007. Off-campus, yes, but places where students hang out. Take a peek, then come back and let's talk.