FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Sasha Bradley, House Media
Capitol:(405) 557-7422
Contact: State Rep. Joe Dorman Contact: State Rep. Jeannie
McDaniel
Capitol: (405) 557-7305 Capitol: (405) 557-7334
Rush Springs: (580) 476-3745 Tulsa: (918) 834-3259
Oklahoma Lawmakers Investigate Safety Measures for College Events
OKLAHOMA CITY- (Oct. 7, 2005) - Due to the alleged suicide bomber
incident on the University of Oklahoma campus near the stadium during a
football game, State Representatives Joe Dorman and Jeannie McDaniel are
investigating potential legislation to assure Oklahomans that college
sporting events will continue to be safe.
"We commend the security and staff at OU for maintaining order and for
taking the appropriate safety measures during an incident that could
have been much more dangerous," said Dorman, D-Rush Springs. "We want to
work with Oklahoma universities and the Office of Homeland Security to
review their security standards and see what needs to be done to improve
them."
"This unfortunate incident heightened awareness so citizens now know to
report unusual behavior," said McDaniel, D-Tulsa. "What we are trying to
do is create a way to educate people and work closely with law
enforcement so we keep individuals who attend these community events
safe."
The representatives said they see this as a way for the universities to
learn new security measures from neighboring schools so all Oklahoma
sports fans can continue to be safe when attending a sporting event.
"I honestly hope nothing needs to be changed with the security
standards," said Dorman. "It would be great if the colleges are already
doing everything possible to provide for the safety of the fans and the
athletes."
Dorman and McDaniel will file legislation only if the assessment shows
the need for tighter security exists.
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