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Your final question resonates with me, Anne. Some would argue that we tell ourselves -- and each other -- lies every day in order to make life more bearable. We say we are fine when we are sometimes anything but, we claim convictions we are deep down unsure of, etc. On one level, I agree that perhaps we should try to avoid this kind of lying. However, I think of being that anxious parent and having a dean tell me that no, she cannot keep my daughter safe, and for that matter, she cannot assure me that Bryn Mawr is a safe place apart from its surrounding towns and city. As that parent, I imagine I would realize the truth in the dean's statement, but would I feel any better about my daughter going to school here?

Maybe a further question is whether or not it is our role to make parents feel good about their kids being here. I have to say that yes, it is -- we need their support, and we know that. If we went around telling people that our students are not protected here, wouldn't they look for other schools that make the opposite (false) claim?

Just some thoughts.
Darla