OSU-Cascades Students Press for Stronger Safety Measures After Assault Reports and Nearby School Shooting

Students at Oregon State University's Cascades campus in Bend say they are struggling with fears about their safety following two reported sexual assaults in campus housing and a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School a few miles away.

The assaults were reported to have occurred on Oct. 8 and Oct. 10 in OSU-Cascades' only residential hall. In a letter to students, university officials said the victim did not know the assailant. The incidents are still under investigation.

Charlie Woekel, president of the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, raised the concerns in remarks to the OSU Board of Trustees at its Friday meeting. "These three distinct events happened within seven days of each other and have students concerned for their physical, sexual and emotional safety," he said.

The reports come amid wider attention to campus sexual violence. Five incidents were reported during the first week of classes at the University of Oregon's Eugene campus, and national discussion continues over an alleged 2024 rape case at Cornell University.

Woekel said campus safety hours have been extended to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in response to the alleged assaults. Student leaders are also urging campus partners to "re-examine and expand our emergency protocols," including those for an active shooter, and to make sure people on the Bend campus know about sexual violence prevention and response resources.

"Despite the anger, pain, and sadness we've been feeling as a campus community, our community has been unified to help one another get through these unprecedented times," Woekel said.

OSU-Cascades closed on the Friday after the shooting and reopened for classes at the start of this week, while Bend-La Pine Schools remained closed. Silver Rail Elementary is closed indefinitely. Student leaders have set up letter-writing stations on campus for messages of support to the school's parent-teacher organization, and student employees at the campus Makerspace lab built an engraved memorial shrine. Student Health and Wellness and the Student Counseling Center have also opened confidential drop-in sessions for anyone, Woekel said, "whether directly impacted or not."

Interim Chancellor and Dean Christine Pollard has sent messages to students after the incidents. "Creating a safe campus community is a shared responsibility," she wrote following the assault reports. "We are a close-knit campus, and I encourage you to look out for and support one another." Her messages included lists of confidential and non-confidential resources for people affected by sexual violence.

Board of Trustees Chair Karla Chambers addressed the hurt felt by many OSU students and staff after the shooting, responding directly to Woekel. "I want you to know that the entire OSU family stands with the Bend community," she said. "We know the hurt and healing will take a substantial amount of time, but that community is certainly in our thoughts."

Anyone who may be a victim of sexual violence can reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673, which also offers online text chat. Confidential crisis counseling is available around the clock from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990, with Spanish-language support available by pressing 2.