In the last week, some places in Louisiana have been drenched in over two feet of rain, resulting in massive floods that have damaged over 5,000 homes. In the southeastern Louisiana community alone, hundreds have been forced to evacuate. Major roads remain closed and some rivers are still rising to historic levels. Don't just take my word for it; you can see local aerial footage of the flooding for yourself here. At this moment, people are trying to pick up the pieces of their lives. They are wondering when, and maybe if, they can return to their homes. They're assessing the damage, making sure their family members are safe, calling insurance companies (many don't have flood insurance because their homes have never flooded before) and trying to find a place to sleep tonight. They're wet, they're tired and their spirits are low. On top of all of this, Southeastern Louisiana University students have to figure out how they'll be getting to classes on Monday.
On Sunday afternoon, the Southeastern Facebook page and website shared a message:
No press releases, no official protocol for contacting professors (many of whom have had their lives turned upside down by the flood waters as well), and no assurances that professors would respond to emails from students. Because we all know that college professors always reply to emails in a timely manner, right? Yeah, that's what I thought. A majority of the Southeastern student body commutes from neighboring towns like Ponchatoula, Robert and Covington, all of which are still experiencing major flooding.
What troubled me most about this message, though, was the lack of compassion. As of 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, Southeastern Louisiana University has issued no message of concern for students, staff or community members whose lives have been turned upside down by the rising water. There were also no efforts to help or offer resources to the countless people who have been displaced. Being a major part of small-town Hammond and the only major university on the Northshore, I expected more. I expected the school to become a temporary shelter for flood victims, or at least offer resources to those who have been displaced. Overall, I expected the school to be a more responsible member of the community. Ambiguous and impersonal messages help no one.
In contrast, these are messages surrounding schools sent out:
This school is just one block from campus. They issued a thoughtful and caring message about the closure.
Schools in Tangipahoa and surrounding parishes on the Northshore cancelled classes and issued statements of concern.
This community college has offices and classes on Southeastern's campus and cancelled classes, citing concern for its students.
I'm not upset with Southeastern's decision because of the decision to remain open, that is a judgement call that would be met with arguments no matter what school officials decided to do. I'm upset that the decision was announced with a complete lack of concern for the welfare of its students and staff. I live on campus and although the road and parking lot leading to my apartment were impassable on Friday, they are now clear and I wouldn't have a problem getting to class. I'm concerned for my friends who have to make the painstaking decision whether to risk their safety for something as trivial as a grade in a class. The university said professors have been instructed not to penalize students for missed classes, but who knows which professors will actually honor this agreement? Some professors might be accommodating, while others might add even more stress onto people who have experienced a lifetime's worth of worry in the last few days.
As national media covers our local tragedy with images of harrowing water rescues and widespread devastation, a university that is supposed to be a beacon of light in the community has dropped the ball. I pray that everyone stays safe and that those affected by the floods are able to recover from this as quickly as possible. I pray for my school. Today, for the first time, I am not proud to be a Southeastern Lion.
