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[Dr. Al Goldfarb, President Western Illinois University] I want to reassure the campus community
that we are taking all steps possible
to deal with the current bomb threat situation.
It is very clear that someone is trying to
disrupt our lives at Western.
We want to make certain that we capture this individual
as soon as possible.
We're working with State Police authorities,
the FBI is on campus today, we will
continue to work very diligently to make sure
that this individual is captured.
I also want to reassure everyone
about issues of safety on campus.
We have OPS [Office of Public Safety]
patrolling our residence halls much more regularly,
all of the local police agencies are activated and alerted,
and we will continue to work with all of our
students to make sure that they are working
in as safe environment as is possible.
Many students have asked
about the possibility of school closing.
We will not close school;
we cannot give in to individuals
who perpetrate these kinds of horrible acts.
If we were to close school,
it would just allow that person to have won.
They very clearly want to disrupt our lives,
and we cannot allow that to happen.
Our goal is to make sure our students
receive an outstanding education here at Western.
We will continue to provide that outstanding education.
If students are having concerns, I suggest that they
speak with their faculty members,
explain the issues that they are having.
I also suggest that any student
who is fearful and concerned also meet with our
counseling staff and attend meetings with counselors, as well.
We want to make certain we make it through the rest of the semester,
providing you with as a safe environment
and as comfortable environment as is possible,
and we will continue to work very diligently
to apprehend those individuals and make certain
they are brought to justice.
I want to thank everyone
in the Western Illinois University community -- our students,
faculty, and staff for their resilience
and the strength there showing,
and I want to wish everyone
as we soon approach the holiday seasons
a wonderful Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday.