It is a fact that some sexual offenders are released back into the public. It is often believed that these individuals have been rehabilitated in state facilities. However, rehabilitated sex offenders can also lapse back into their old habits.
This possible threat requires legislation from the state government dealing with it. In Maine, communities are notified when a convicted sexual offender moves into the area. Recently, the state government has taken that law a step further. Now all college campuses are to be notified when a possible sexual predator lives near by.
Similar laws are present in all 50 states. Many communities felt a need for such laws after the murder of 7-year-old Megan Kanka of New Jersey, who was the victim of a previously convicted sexual offender who lived across the street. People believed that identifying one-time sexual offenders would help prevent such attacks. This demand would later take shape in the form of what many states refer to as “Megan Laws.”
Maine has amended its Megan Laws in order to extend the flow of information to local campuses. Such an amendment recognizes that college campuses can be dangerous at times and the student body needs to be aware of certain issues or threats.
Justin D. Jones is a jazz performance major who also gives tours to potential students and their parents.
“The parents are always very curious about safety on campus, especially if their daughters are thinking about attending. I think it is good for the community to make the campus aware of who is around,” Jones said.
While for the most part students see this amendment as a good idea, some are sympathetic to labeled sexual offenders.
“It must be awful, having this label follow you wherever you go. I mean, what if you are trying to start over fresh,” said Joe Para, jazz performance major.
However, later Para said that for the sake of safety however, it would be beneficial to have such individuals known, regardless.
There is some question as to how such information will be made available to students. At the University of Southern Maine, a list of registered sexual offenders can be obtained via the USM Police Department home page. That list however, remains blank. If students are concerned about such individuals, it may be advisable to refer back to that list periodically, since people move in and out of the area frequently. Jim Daniels, manager of sexual offense cases for the USM Police Department could not be reached for comment.
Students are urged to report threatening behavior of any kind using either conventional methods or the “Silent Witness” option available through the USM Police home page. Students can access the home page at http://www.usm.maine.edu/police/.