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Abstract: 

In April 2007, a deranged student entered a Virginia Tech academic building and shot more than 30 students and faculty members. Earlier that morning, a shooting had occurred in a dormitory. University officials apparently believed that the dormitory shooting was an isolated incident and that the assailant had left the campus. Should college officials have canceled classes or taken steps to warn students and faculty that a dangerous person could still be on campus? The tragic events at Virginia Tech have caused colleges throughout the country to rethink their procedures for dealing with security in general and dealing with emotionally disturbed students in particular. Results in lawsuits based on lack of security vary considerably, depending on the specific facts. This article discusses some illustrative cases, and points out their implications for colleges.

Keywords: Johnson v. Alcorn State University; Ponce v. Socorro Independent Sch. Dist.; Varner v. District of Columbia; Hill v. Safford United Sch. Dist.; University of Maryland Eastern Shore v. Raney;

Affiliations:  1: Attorney.