Increase self defense classes on CSUSM campus
The Issue
In recent months, California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) has witnessed a deeply troubling series of crimes: four rape cases and one sexual assault coupled with burglary. These incidents sound an alarm about the safety and security of women in our community. Every woman on campus deserves not just to feel safe, but to actually BE safe in their own environment. However, our current system is failing.
The UPD offers a self-defense class designed to empower individuals with the skills necessary to protect themselves. Yet, this program is severely limited. It accommodates fewer than 30 people per session and is open to the general public, not exclusively serving the students most in need of these crucial skills. With this limited access, countless women who live on campus each day are left vulnerable and without the necessary tools to defend themselves against potential harm.
The real question is: How can CSUSM proceed, when so much more needs to be done? Allowing this urgent issue to go unaddressed is unacceptable and portrays an oversight in our collective responsibility to safeguard students.
We demand action. CSUSM must allocate more resources to offer additional and dedicated self-defense classes for women on campus. This initiative must prioritize availability for students who live on campus, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn these life-saving techniques.
Consider implementing a phased approach where new sessions are added based on demand, including options for different times to accommodate varied schedules. Partner with local organizations or hire additional instructors to extend these programs. Moreover, publicity around these courses should increase, so every woman on campus knows what resources are available.
Empower women. Protect our community. Do not let these heinous acts be swept under the rug. Stand with the victims, and prevent future occurrences through education and foresight.
Sign this petition to call on CSUSM to take immediate and effective measures in expanding their self-defense offerings, making the campus a truly safe place for all women.
177
The Issue
In recent months, California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) has witnessed a deeply troubling series of crimes: four rape cases and one sexual assault coupled with burglary. These incidents sound an alarm about the safety and security of women in our community. Every woman on campus deserves not just to feel safe, but to actually BE safe in their own environment. However, our current system is failing.
The UPD offers a self-defense class designed to empower individuals with the skills necessary to protect themselves. Yet, this program is severely limited. It accommodates fewer than 30 people per session and is open to the general public, not exclusively serving the students most in need of these crucial skills. With this limited access, countless women who live on campus each day are left vulnerable and without the necessary tools to defend themselves against potential harm.
The real question is: How can CSUSM proceed, when so much more needs to be done? Allowing this urgent issue to go unaddressed is unacceptable and portrays an oversight in our collective responsibility to safeguard students.
We demand action. CSUSM must allocate more resources to offer additional and dedicated self-defense classes for women on campus. This initiative must prioritize availability for students who live on campus, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn these life-saving techniques.
Consider implementing a phased approach where new sessions are added based on demand, including options for different times to accommodate varied schedules. Partner with local organizations or hire additional instructors to extend these programs. Moreover, publicity around these courses should increase, so every woman on campus knows what resources are available.
Empower women. Protect our community. Do not let these heinous acts be swept under the rug. Stand with the victims, and prevent future occurrences through education and foresight.
Sign this petition to call on CSUSM to take immediate and effective measures in expanding their self-defense offerings, making the campus a truly safe place for all women.
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Petition created on September 24, 2026