Two assaults allegedly motivated by anti-gay bias. A homophobic slur posted on the door of the LGBTQ Resource Center and aimed at the center’s director. And late Sunday night, a case of verbal harassment directed at a student because of the student’s perceived sexual orientation.These four reported bias-related incidents have made for a great deal of tension and anxiety on the Hilltop. One question has been lingering in the consciousness of the campus community over the past two weeks: What can we do to make Georgetown safer for all students?As we grapple with this problem, we are reassured by the university’s reaction; by coordinating with different administrative offices and student groups on campus, it has taken a sensible approach to student safety. Over the past week, two forums have been convened by student and university leaders to address campus-wide concerns. The discussions have been encouraging, but they have also highlighted the difficulty of developing effective preventative measures. We have a steep hill to climb, but progress can be made.Sunday night, in one of the most promising developments, the Georgetown University Student Association Senate passed a resolution encouraging the university to add hate crimes to the list of acts punishable by the issuance of a type-C violation. (This is the most severe level of punishment, and results in suspension, probation or expulsion of the student in question.)If the university heeds GUSA’s suggestion and alters the Student Code of Conduct, the student body must be made aware of the change and the implications therein. If the university community is cognizant of the consequences of committing bias-related assaults – particularly those driven by homophobia – it will be better off. This addition would institutionalize a zero-tolerance policy for hate crimes and would hopefully deter assailants from committing such crimes in the first place.The issue of reporting mechanisms has been frequently discussed as well. Following the string of on- and off-campus break-ins earlier this year, we called for additional installations of emergency blue light call boxes located around campus. At last Wednesday’s forum, various student groups followed suit.We find it disconcerting that Vice President for University Safety Rocco DelMonaco has stated only now that the university is weighing the possibility of adding more call boxes. The university must make an investment in expanding the blue light system on campus. Since many students do not have the Department of Public Safety’s phone number on hand, blue lights are one of the most effective means to ensuring prompt action by witnesses (and an effective response by DPS) on a college campus.These incidents have galvanized the university community – in addition to the university’s reaction, the student response has been substantial. As we move forward, enacting the aforementioned measures and sustaining the conversation on student safety – particularly for those vulnerable to bias-related harassment and assault – is the best route to making Georgetown safer.*To send a letter to the editor on a recent campus issue or Hoya story or a viewpoint on any topic, contact [opinionthehoya.com](opinionthehoya.com). Letters should not exceed 300 words, and viewpoints should be between 600 to 800 words.*”