On Monday, October 1, 2018, a Ball State residence hall director was arrested for watching child pornography.
Braden Robinson, 24, was charged with FIVE counts of possession of child pornography when the police took him into custody. Police were beginning to investigate what had happened due to suspicious activity that was reported through our college's IT system. He allegedly visited the sites 20 times between the dates of August 16 and September 26.
"During an interview, police say Robinson admitted to viewing pornographic video and photos of young girls for about the past three years. He said his preference is the age range of 8-13 years of age, but he has viewed children engaged in sexual acts as young as 4 years old." - fox59
After spending nearly seven weeks in this residence hall, I am thoroughly shocked that something like this would happen. When I received the email stating that our residence hall director was arrested, I began second-guessing how safe I actually am here. I know that the university does its best to make sure all of their students are safe, but why are they only suspending him for a crime that not only threatens their reputation but also threatens the safety of children?
Robinson's bond is set at $25,000, yet his job status at Ball State is merely suspended. The possession of child pornography is a level 6 felony in the state of Indiana. This means that you can, and should, legally serve six months to 2.5 years in prison. So why hasn't he been fired instead of merely being suspended?
Does Ball State University really care for the safety of their students as much as we all thought that they did - or are they really just in it for the money?
I've spoken with many people pertaining to this topic, as the link to the original article has been shared throughout social media since it was released on October 2, 2018. Many of my friends and family members have begun commenting on the fact that he isn't fired. Multiple people have called him perverted, a sicko, and a creep while sharing or commenting on the article.
My dad was talking to me this morning about how he believes that Robinson shouldn't be allowed on campus anymore, let alone be allowed to hold such a high position. So then why hasn't Ball State confirmed that they were revoking his privileges as residence hall director?
Many students on campus hadn't even heard about the arrest unless they had friends or family staying in the Studebaker dormitories. Ball State had sent out emails - but only to those that it "affected" the most. Every student on campus has the right to know what was happening just across the pond, so why didn't they? Why is it that every time something happens pertaining to a sexual harassment or assault, everybody hears about it - but nobody hears about it when it's child pornography?
Robinson should be fired from the position that he currently holds, not suspended. He should have his Ball State contract revoked for committing a level 6 felony, and he should have to file as a possible predator online. He should not be allowed to interact with any children, and he should be admitted into prison for the full duration of his penalty. A suspension is not enough.
I'm not alone when I say that Ball State residence life isn't the same anymore. It used to feel safe, inviting, and like home. Now, my roommate and I aren't sure anymore.
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