Not only has UWM placed these (mostly) young women in a well-documented violent neighborhood but they have done so without reason.

A university, by all basic definitions, is supposed to be a gathering place of intellects, a precursor for future professions, and a safe haven for subsequent studies.

Yet, the current program for elementary education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is anything but safe.

As a close friend of a female student teacher in the questionable program, I am forced to think of each time I see her as the last.

Not only is her placement school located in a not quite pleasant neighborhood, but a class that she is forced to take during her student teaching is located at a learning center just one block south of 25th Street and North Avenue, far from the campus we have all grown to love.

Placing these future teachers in harm“s way (consider the territory) is a bit absurd and very unnecessary, especially when their class does not begin until 4:30 p.m. Classes at that school, as well as all other schools in Milwaukee Public Schools, have ended by that time.

Therefore, these student teachers are forced to ask, “What need is there to meet at a school that is situated far from UWM and in such an unfriendly place?”

Not only has UWM placed these (mostly) young women in a well-documented violent neighborhood, but they have done so without reason. There are no students to observe, there are no teachers to ask questions and, most importantly, there is nothing more to gain at that time of the day that would add to a teacher“s education.

Why can't UWM help protect these future educators and simply have them meet in a classroom located on campus? Most, if not all, have avidly voiced their concerns regarding the location of this class.

These educators find the drive to Starm's (technically located at 25th & Lloyd) unnecessary, burdensome and worrisome. They have openly expressed their fears and concerns (as have many parents) to their advisers, professors and even the dean.

What has become of their cries for help? Simply nothing. UWM“s administration has consistently held that this is the best way for teachers to learn. Yet the empty classrooms provide little experience, let alone logical support for their decision.

Several students have even suggested moving the class to Hartford Elementary, located on campus. After all, it still makes up the MPS system. Again, UWM has offered no answers or assistance.

What makes matters worse is the failure of UWM or the Education Department to even take responsibility should something ever occur. The unnecessary location has already led to the smashing of car windows and the stealing of purses in the parking lot of Starm“s while the class is in session.

The added protection of the UWM parking facilities could go a long way to make this a safer experience. Has MPS or UWM offered to help out these stranded student teachers, considering that these incidents took place on their property and/or during their program?

Of course not, because UWM and MPS have eliminated their liability from all occurrences. To date, a car has even been stolen from the faculty parking lot at one of the placement schools with no help offered to the student.

Considering the events taking place at schools throughout MPS, especially the more recent events at Bradley Tech (although a high school, nevertheless an example of terrible and unsafe behavior occurring throughout MPS), it“s as though UWM is simply turning its back to the concerns of safety for these future educators.

This Wednesday, just like those prior and those forthcoming, the students who are in the very beginnings of student teaching, in what is supposed to be a key learning tool, will instead be watching over their shoulders, walking in large groups and living in constant fear for their lives as they attend a class several unnecessary miles off campus.

Today I ask on behalf of many of the women and men who put their lives on the line day in and day out, what needs to occur to these student teachers before UWM makes the right decision? Does somebody need to be attacked? Does somebody need to be raped? Murdered?

What is it going to take to simply move this class to campus?

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