The Student Newspaper of Highline College

Rory Sellers/THUNDERWORD

At night, the lack of lighting around the Pavilion is evident.

Poor Pavilion lighting illuminates safety concerns on campus

Stacy BarnesStaff Reporter Jan 23, 2025

Highline’s sports Pavilion is dimly lit at night casting shadows of insecurity about the safety of attending games after dark. Mapped as Building 28, you could almost forget it exists, sitting in the far corner of the staff parking lot. If you are going there from campus, access resides under the Library cliff,  a steep drop or a long flight of stairs with low lighting, leaving one to wonder how safe it is to attend evening events. 

Noor Ain/THUNDERWORD

The steep staircase leading to the Pavilion.

A recent conversation with Jon Dunn, Director of Athletics, brought attention to a pressing concern at Highline College: the inadequate lighting around the Pavilion. This issue, while not immediately noticeable to everyone, becomes glaringly apparent during sports events. After speaking with a gym attendant who gave a tour of the lighting affixed to the Pavilion, he stated, “Coaches have had this concern for over twenty years.”

During the sophomore night celebration for Highline College’s volleyball team, it was observed firsthand how dimly lit the trail from the parking lot to the Pavilion is. The experience underscored a broader concern—ensuring safety and accessibility for students, staff, and visitors who navigate the campus at night. One student who preferred to be cited as ‘MT’ said, “It felt creepy, as if I was being surrounded by darkness as I entered the gym.” 

At night, several issues have been identified around the Pavilion area. The path leading to the Pavilion suffers from dim lighting, creating potential safety risks for pedestrians. Additionally, there is inadequate signage to guide visitors. No markers or signs are present to indicate that the lot near the Pavilion is designated for Pavilion parking. 

Melany Velasco/THUNDERWORD

South Parking Lot’s panic button damaged and currently out of order.

The back lot is marked as “North Parking Lot,” which has added some confusion for visitors seeking appropriate parking options. Driving through the lot, drivers will notice a lack of signage indicating this is sports event parking. The Blue Emergency callbox in the middle is working properly, security was reached, yet this box looked abandoned. 

There is no beacon light to add visibility and if close to a building such as the Pavilion one would have to make a mad-dash sprint to the box, in the dark, between vehicles fleeing an assailant to call for help. 

All colleges and universities are held to a legal expectation known as ‘duty of care’, and Highline College’s own clery report, is an important tool that complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. This legislation mandates that institutions distribute timely warnings about crime incidents to students and staff, publicly report campus crime and safety policies, and properly disseminate campus crime data.

Despite these efforts and mandates, only 20% of female sexual assaults are reported, with the rate for males being even lower. These statistics underscore the importance of proactive safety measures on campus. 

Rory Sellers/THUNDERWORD

Just around the back of the Pavilion, the lack of light combined with the generator’s loud profile leave a lot to be desired.

Noticing bulldozers in the backfield last week, contact was made once again with Dunn to inquire if the lights were being upgraded. He said, “Construction is for the new drain and I think powerline. With regards to lighting around the Pavilion, nothing has been improved to date.” The budget dispute boils down to one question. Who should pay for college campus safety upgrades: student funds, building funds, security funds? 

To address these concerns, the Associated Students of Highline College (ASHC) student government plans to launch a Campus Safety Poll. This initiative aims to gather student input on safety priorities, including lighting, signage, and other related issues.

Ensuring campus safety is a shared responsibility that calls for collaboration between administration, staff, and students. Enhancing lighting and signage around the Pavilion are key steps toward fostering a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone. Stay tuned for updates on the Campus Safety Poll and progress on these important improvements.

As we work together to enhance campus life and enjoy the bevy of events Highline hosts, please consider filling out this safety survey, and any questions or feedback you provide could be in a follow up article. 

Stay safe, Thunderbirds!

Noor Ain/THUNDERWORD

The Pavilion is home to many of Highline’s sporting events, but doesn’t have adequate lighting to make students and fans feel safe at night.