Resident Assistants are taking action by protesting to get Langston University to add mandatory CPR classes to their training schedule, so they can handle emergencies better.
RA’s argue that as first responders in their housing communities, they need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage emergencies until professional medical help arrives.
RA Tez Collins said, “One night while being on call, I was walking… when all a sudden I see a group of girls gathered around their friend who had passed out… I had no clue or real helpful training on what to do except to call 911 and make an incident report on what happened. I honestly felt so helpless during the situation because I couldn’t do anything but stand there and be a witness, because I didn’t have the proper training…”
RA’s feel that it’s clear that comprehensive training is vital for ensuring a safe living environment on campus. Langston University has recently come under scrutiny for its decision to restrict RA training, specifically prohibiting them from learning CPR, a crucial skill that could save a resident’s life in emergency situations. The university administration’s decision stems from budget constraints and liability concerns.
They argued “providing CPR training to RAs would require significant financial investment and could expose the university to legal risks if an RA were to perform CPR incorrectly,” said Resident Director Traveno Carter.
However, this rationale has not been well-received by the RA’s or the student body, who believe that the safety and well-being of residents should be a top priority.
In response, the RA’s and Student Activities Board members Diane “Mrs. D” Sims and Tez Collins are talking about organizing a protest to advocate for enhanced training that includes CPR and other essential life-saving skills. So far, 10 of the 40+ RA’s have joined their petition.
Mrs.D , a member of Student Government Association, says “The SGA executive board has gone to the Langston University administrative board and talked about the possibilities of having a CPR training class for students, especially RA’s…the RA is the first person that gets called to the scene when any situation is going on…We feel it is important for all RAs to know the basic CPR guidelines in case of an emergency or incident that may occur”.
To make a change, RA’s requested a meeting with the administration to discuss their concerns and present their case for including CPR training in the RA program. Administration agreed to the meeting, signaling a willingness to engage in dialogue and suggesting that if all of housing pushes for the CPR training, they may be willing to consider adding it.
Zharia Thompson
Zharia Thompson is a senior corrections major
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