‘College shouldn’t feel like a war zone’: reaction to SC State shootings
By: SOULAANI LYNN
Oct 12, 2025
What was meant to be a night of unity and school pride at South Carolina State University turned tragic when two shootings occurred during homecoming festivities.
One person was killed and two were injured; none was a student. A person is under arrest in the incidents that occurred on campus on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
They sent shockwaves through HBCU communities, including at ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ, where students are facing an unsettling reality: Joy and danger seem to coexist at events, even on campus.
Nathaniel “Nate” Dickens, a Claflin sports management major, said he is sad and frustrated at how normalized campus violence has become.
“We come to college to build a future, not to worry about whether we’ll make it home from a party,” Dickens said. “Homecoming is supposed to bring people together. It’s scary to think that something so positive ended in violence.”
Jalen Tate, a forensic science major, said while schools increase police presence at events, they often miss a deeper point about safety.
“Security can’t just show up after something happens. We need systems that protect us before tragedy strikes,” he said. “We need proactive safety — mental health check-ins, student-led safety teams, real discussions about gun violence before it becomes another headline.”
Both students want to see student voices included in safety planning, not just barricades and flashing lights after something goes wrong.
Their suggestions include:
- Town hall-style safety forums led by students.
- Peer-based safety ambassadors during major events.
- Mental health support integrated into event planning.
- Real dialogue between administration, campus police and students.
“We deserve fun, joy, and peace on our campuses. College shouldn’t feel like a war zone,” Dickens said.