May 11– May 24, 2016 Campus Briefs

Crime Rate Nationwide Drops in Schools


Violent crime, harassment, and bullying because of sexual orientation has decreased significantly s U.S. News reported.

According to the SFGate, about 1.3 million students were suspended for violence, alcohol violations or weapons possession. A total of 781 hate crimes were reported on college campuses in 2013. Middle-school students are more likely to be bullied than high school or elementary students.

About 75 percent of schools during 2013-2014 have increased their security system by implementing security cameras and controlling building access. Student ID’s and mandated dress codes also have been implemented.

The National Center for Education Statistics acting commissioner, Peggy Carr said, “The data shows we have made progress—bullying is down, crime is down, but it’s not enough.”


Muni Bus Involved in a Motorcyclist Crash


A collision between a motorcyclist and a San Francisco Muni bus happened around 3:30 p.m. in the Mission District on May 3.

The SF Examiner reported the 14-Mission Muni bus stopped at 22nd and Mission Street street to pick up passengers when the motorcycle ran into the front of the bus, hurling the motorcyclist from his bike. He lost consciousness after hitting the ground and was taken to the hospital where he was treated for a broken clavicle and later released.

Muni spokesperson Paul Rose said no passengers were injured, and the collision did caused no damages to the bus or any route delays.

The 42-year-old driver lost control of his motorcycle while traveling south on Mission Street at what police said was “a high rate of speed.”  


Muni Starts “Double-Stopping” Trains in Downtown Stations


The SF Examiner reported San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA) plans to double-stop Muni light rail vehicles were delayed early last year because to a software glitch which has been repaired now.

Powell, Civic Center, and Montgomery stations are some of the stations that will permanently allow double stopping during morning rush hours. Trains like the J, K, L, M or N which often are stopped in downtown tunnels during morning commutes has created frustrated passengers.

Double-stopping will allow two 75-foot light rail vehicles to arrive to in the station at the same time to let off passenger faster.

SFMTA director John Haley said, “People are in the morning rush hour…feel like they’re hostages on the train.” The “double-stopping” software was acquired for this reason. 


San Francisco May Vote on Lowered Voting Age


Eight city supervisors stated they support a measure on November’s ballot to lower the voting age in local elections, which would make San Francisco the first major city in the country with a voting age of 16 if passed, the SF Examiner reported.

“We have a city that really provides a place for young people to get involved in our communities, that helps young people to be engaged civically,” Supervisor John Avalos said during a meeting between the Board of Supervisors and Youth Commission. “I think that extending the right to vote for young people is just another step in the right direction.”

The Examiner also reported that Department of Elections head John Arntz and the Youth Commission said that if the measure passed in November, it could increase the number eligible voters in San Francisco by 10,000 to 13,000.

However, Arntz said the lowered voting age would change the registration system and voting process, and that “there will be some things to work out going forward.”