I read about the talk of a new bill coming into effect regarding "A Woman's Right to Light," in this month's issue of Cosmopolitan.  It briefly mentioned the need for women to be protected, under the law, from police impersonators, as well as corrupt officers.  There have been quite a few cases in the past few years of women being assaulted by "police officers" after being pulled over in dark areas.  The Bill proposes the idea that, in the event of being pulled over, women should be allowed to drive until they find a well lit or populated area.  The principle behind this, is really just about feeling safe. 

This got me thinking about the infamous blue lights around campus.  In the event of an attack, especially in oh, let's say, the dim area of Mountainview parking lot at 2 a.m, would they really provide protection, or are they simply there to show off to the parents on campus tours, to make you feel like you are safe?

My friends and I often mock the blue lights, questioning how it's possible to figure out how to unlatch those intricately secured shut little boxes, push the button, or dial the phone, whatever happens to be underneath them, I don't actually know, all while being attacked.  Even if you're impressively handy, would you wait around for help to come, or do you try and run away? And, if you run away, isn't the attacker running too?  So, essentially, how will help find you?  It's really a Catch-22.  Perhaps the people behind the curtain of Bing are banking on those lights to prevent attackers from trying any funny business.  Perhaps they're there to scare them off if something should ensue.  But, do they simply flash, causing the illusion of some sort of alarm, or do they actually signal campus police?  

What Cosmo failed to mention was the actual incident behind the campaign.  It's an interesting story, I strongly suggest everyone read it at http://www.awomansrighttolight.com/