Kidnapping At Knifepoint Prompts Call For More Safety At Ramapo College

MAHWAH, NJ — After a Ramapo College student was kidnapped at knifepoint last week in the campus parking lot, a fellow student is petitioning to install additional safety measures to prevent similar events from occurring in the future and "ensure safety" of all Ramapo students.

The kidnapped student, identified in the petition as 19-year-old Alexis Ruhlen, was physically assaulted and forced to drive at knifepoint by her accused assailant, Patch previously reported.

A "vital point" in Ruhlen's story, the student behind the petition Madison Morgan said, is that safety measures, such as security cameras and blue-light emergency phone towers, are not found all over campus, particularly in the main parking lots.

"This is very important and overlooked by many when considering Ramapo's campus safety," Morgan said in the petition, calling the lack of safety measures "unacceptable."

In a statement, college spokesperson Brittany Williams-Goldstein noted that, throughout the campus, there are 43 blue-light emergency phones, 15 of which are installed in parking lots and all of which communicate directly with the college's Department of Public Safety.

"In addition, we make the Rave Guardian App available to all members of the college for free," Williams-Goldstein said, referring to the mobile safety app that connects students to Public Safety with real-time location data and allows for reporting of crime or suspicious activity.

In September, the college also began working with a consultant that specializes in video camera installations to provide suggested plans and cost estimates for coverage of the campus, Williams-Goldstein said. And in parking lots where there are no cameras, she added, public safety staff members conduct more frequent patrols.

Parking lot safety is especially important, the petition said, given that approximately 58% (3,000 out of 5,100) of students, including Ruhlen, commute to Ramapo College, according to data. Petition creator Morgan asked that others sign to ensure safety of all students, including commuters.

"With your signature, we can help protect the lives of students on Ramapo College’s campus," Morgan said.

Ruhlen herself signed, commenting that though she was able to get away from her abuser, "others are not as lucky."

"We need to be safe on campus," Ruhlen said.

As of Monday, over 3,200 people signed the petition to improve the college's campus safety with more cameras and emergency phones; the petition, college President Cindy Jebb wrote in a message to the campus Monday, is "demonstrative" of the goodwill that permeates the Ramapo community.

"Let Alexis’ story be heard and inspire others to speak out," Morgan said. "Her experience will make a change and raise awareness for domestic violence and abuse."