SEMO shares initial actions and next steps in reviewing incidents at Show-Me Center

Following Sunday’s shooting during Cape Central High School’s graduation ceremony at the Show Me Center, Southeast Missouri State University conducted an initial assessment to determine next steps to strengthen security policies.

“Our Public Safety Department, Show Me Center and emergency communications personnel were on scene to assist following Sunday’s events. On Monday, I met with representatives from these offices, as well as members of our Offices of Finance and Administration, Enrollment Management and Student Success, and General Counsel to begin reviewing the university’s security and procedures,” said Dr. Carlos Vargas, president of Southeast Missouri State. “During the meeting, we identified items that the team needs to fully review, including the university’s ongoing business policies.”

Vargas said a meeting was held Tuesday with all employees who manage the university’s venues and spaces to gather information about the types of events on campus and safety protocols in place. The Office of the General Counsel is currently reviewing SEMO’s contracts with outside companies that host events on campus.

“Currently, the level of security is determined by the organizer or tenant of the event,” said Vargas. “One of the things we are evaluating is whether there should be any changes to standard operations in the future.”

Vargas said that the SEMO Department of Public Security has begun assessing its venues and will prepare recommendations after the work is completed.

“This is a complex investigation,” Vargas said, “and after three days, we do not yet have all the information necessary to announce the changes that will be implemented as a result of this event. I have asked my team to complete their analysis so that we have identified actionable steps and can begin implementing them in the next few weeks.”

On Monday, Vargas sent a message to the university community to provide counseling and trauma resources to students, faculty and staff affected by Sunday’s events.

“Several of our employees were present at the event either due to their duties or because they were celebrating with their families, and we want to ensure they have the support to deal with the impact of Sunday’s event,” Vargas said. “I am proud of our Department of Public Safety officers who were the first to respond and our Show Me Center staff who helped contact needed responders and clear the facility.”

“Most importantly, I want to once again acknowledge that this has been a difficult week for many in our community,” Vargas said. “As an institution whose mission and calling is to help high school graduates succeed, we are deeply saddened that this milestone celebration of Cape graduates was interrupted due to a senseless act of violence. While we realistically know we cannot take action to completely prevent such acts, we are committed to leading our community in continually improving safety at events on our campus.”