On Sept. 26, CSUN police sent out an emergency alert that shook our campus: a sexual assault had been reported at the Orange Grove near Nordhoff Street and Lindley Avenue. The suspect fled, and while police continue to investigate, the reality remains: one of the most scenic corners of CSUN has also become one of the most vulnerable.

The Orange Grove is a place students love for its beauty — a quiet retreat from campus stress, a backdrop for study breaks or a shortcut to class. However, when safety is compromised, beauty alone is insufficient. The recent assault raises urgent questions about what measures the university is willing to take to keep students safe. One answer is simple: install more and better cameras around the Grove.

The issue with “general direction”

According to the CSUN Department of Police Services, there are already cameras facing “in the general direction” of the Orange Grove. That phrase — general direction — should concern all of us. In my opinion, if cameras can’t provide clear, usable footage, they do little to deter crime or assist investigations. Safety infrastructure must be precise and clear, not vague or ambiguous. Cameras should be strategically placed, with high resolution and visibility over all walkways, entrances and exits.

Why do cameras matter?

Cameras aren’t a cure-all, but they’re a proven tool for deterring crime and aiding investigations. According to a U.S. Department of Justice study, visible surveillance reduces opportunistic crime in public areas. At night, the grove’s tree cover and quiet paths can feel isolating, but the presence of cameras can help discourage potential attackers. When crimes do occur, surveillance footage offers investigators crucial evidence — something more reliable than memory.

For many students, especially women and gender minorities, walking through the grove at night already brings a sense of unease. Expanding camera coverage would not only improve safety but also reassure the campus community that the university values their concerns and prioritizes security.

Taking steps to address the concerns at hand

Critics may argue that cameras threaten privacy, but cameras installed in public walkways do not intrude on private life. Clear university policies — such as limited data retention, strict access protocols and oversight committees — can further minimize risks of misuse. Some may also worry about costs, but I believe the expense of cameras is modest compared to the immeasurable toll of student trauma. Cameras should supplement other measures, such as improved lighting, accessible Blue Light phones and increased patrols in vulnerable areas.

Finally, some contend that cameras only document crimes rather than prevent them, but prevention and accountability work hand in hand. When potential offenders know the grove is closely monitored, they may reconsider their actions. And if an incident does occur, we owe survivors the best chance at justice — something that requires high-quality footage, not just a camera pointing in the “general direction.”

Things to consider

The Orange Grove is one of CSUN’s treasures, but it should not be overlooked when it comes to campus safety. Students deserve to move freely throughout their university without fear of harassment. This requires taking concrete action now by installing high-resolution cameras in strategic locations to cover all grove walkways, pairing surveillance with improved lighting, an increased patrol presence (i.e., having a CSUN police officer on either side of the grove) and establishing clear oversight policies to ensure cameras protect students while maintaining their trust.

The recent assault is not only a tragedy; it’s a warning. I believe CSUN cannot afford to treat safety reactively. Cameras are not about replacing trust with surveillance, but about making sure every student can appreciate our campus’s beauty without fear.

If the university truly values its students, I believe it must show this by prioritizing their safety where it counts most. The Orange Grove should remain a peaceful and reflective environment — not a place where students are concerned about their well-being.