University of Houston Boosts Security After Assault and Robberies Shake Campus
The University of Houston had a rough week, and it’s got everyone on edge. On Saturday, the school announced they’re stepping up security with more officers and tighter measures after three alarming incidents hit campus: an aggravated sexual assault and two robberies. It’s the kind of news that makes you double-check your locks and keep your phone a little closer.
It all started Friday evening, just before 6 p.m., when a student was attacked in the Welcome Center Student Parking Garage. She was on the second floor, minding her own business, when a man forced his way into her car, flashed a knife, and sexually assaulted her. It’s a chilling scene to imagine—someone just trying to get through their day, suddenly facing that kind of terror. Thankfully, university police nabbed the guy near the scene that same night. The school sent out an email Saturday but kept the suspect’s name under wraps, promising more updates as the investigation unfolds.
That assault wasn’t the only trouble brewing. Two days earlier, on February 5, another student got jumped near an elevator in the same garage. The attacker roughed them up and swiped their scooter. Then, on February 4, a third student was riding their scooter near campus when someone struck them, stole the scooter, and bolted west on Wheeler Avenue. Three incidents in less than a week—it’s no wonder people are rattled.
The university’s been firing off emails left and right, trying to keep everyone in the loop. They’ve made it clear the police are on the case, chasing down leads and flooding the campus with extra officers. Starting February 10, they’ve beefed up patrols in the parking structures, with four officers assigned to round-the-clock shifts at the Welcome Center Garage. It’s right by the Metro Light Rail Line, so it makes sense they’re focusing there. The school’s Executive Steering Committee on Safety and Security is also working on a bigger plan—something with both quick fixes and long-term solutions to keep everyone safer.
President Renu Khator didn’t mince words in her Saturday email to students and faculty. She called the crimes “disturbing” and said she gets why people are upset. “These incidents are unacceptable, and I share in your outrage,” she wrote. “Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and I want to assure you that we are taking decisive action.” It’s the kind of message you’d hope to hear—acknowledging the problem and promising to do something about it.
The student body and beyond aren’t sitting quietly, either. Over 8,000 people have signed two petitions demanding more security—think 24/7 patrol officers, better lighting in parking garages and across campus, and a sharper response plan for incidents like these. The petitions pull no punches: “We, as a community, have the right to feel safe on our campus. Our trust must not be eroded due to continued lapses in security.” It’s a loud, clear call for change, driven by the anxiety rippling through students, faculty, and their families. Meanwhile, a campus group called Deeds Not Words is planning a protest for Wednesday, pushing the safety issue even harder.
Khator’s response leaned into accountability. “Campus safety is not just a priority—it is a responsibility we take seriously,” she wrote. “We are listening. We are acting. Our campus must remain a safe learning and working environment, and we will not tolerate criminal activity.” It’s a firm stance, and you can feel the weight of the moment in her words.
For someone like a Houston sexual assault attorney, this situation would hit close to home. They’d likely commend the university for arresting the suspect quickly in the assault case, but they’d also zero in on the bigger picture. Prevention’s the name of the game—could better lighting, more cameras, or faster alerts have stopped this? They’d probably push for the school to work closely with law enforcement and victim advocates, ensuring the student gets support and justice. An attorney might also point out that the increased patrols are a good start, but long-term fixes—like training for students on staying safe or tougher access controls—could keep this from happening again. For them, it’s not just about reacting; it’s about making sure the campus doesn’t become a repeat target.
