Robert Jaross, FIU Communication Instructor and Director of Student Media, and FIU Student Government worked to assemble a discussion #BehindtheBadge, led by Communication Professor Antoine Hardy, between FIU Police and students to open lines of communication. More than 65 students and several FIU Vice Presidents, including Larry Lungsford VP Student Affairs, attended the open discussion on campus policing. The panel included Daniel Capote, FIU Communication student and Stonewall Pride Alliance president, Alexander Casas, chief of the FIU Police Department, along with Allhan Mejia, SGC-BBC president, Michelle Juarez, SGC-MMC vice president, and Malcolm Jones the president of the Pan-Hellenic council.
“I have to hear from you to let us know where we are falling short. These dialogues are going to help us communicate better, better explain our procedures, and avoid conflict on campus,” Chief Casas explained.
The groups came together for one goal: progress the understanding held between FIU police and the students they serve. The panel was initiated by Professor Antoine Hardy leading and engaging the panel discussion. The panel was then opened to questions from the student audience, focusing on discussing solutions to the concerns of FIU Police and students. The first panel was so successful and engaging, students requested to make this a monthly event. The panel provides a space and opportunity for open dialogue and allows students to create active solutions based on the concerns of students and police.