Bentley reassures prospective freshmen after stabbing
Just hours after a Bentley University student was stabbed on campus Wednesday morning, allegedly by two reputed call girls, school officials sent out an e-mail seeking to reassure 600 prospective freshmen from New England who had won early acceptance.
The e-mail described the alleged attack as an isolated incident and stressed that the Waltham campus is safe.
“A male Bentley student was taken to the hospital, following an assault by two non-Bentley females and he has since been released,” wrote Joann McKenna, vice president and dean of admissions, in the e-mail sent Wednesday night, according to school officials.
“This is an isolated incident among individuals who knew each other, and not a random act. Please rest assured that the Bentley campus remains both safe and secure.”
The admissions office only received two e-mails in response, according to school officials. One student wrote, “Thank you for the reassurance,” and another student wrote, “I didn’t hear about it, but thank you for the update. This in no way affects my decision,” Bentley officials said.
The two suspects were ordered held without bail, pending hearings next week, after they allegedly argued with, robbed, and stabbed the student on the Bentley campus.
According to a police report, Bentley University police responded to the dorm about 3:35 a.m., Wednesday, and found the Bentley student with a large stab wound to his upper right chest. He was able to describe the suspects, who were apprehended while running toward their car in a campus visitors’ parking lot.
In the police report, one of the women told police the alleged victim had offered her $50 for oral sex, but she refused. The police report also states that one of the women stabbed the student, and that they stole $300 from his bedroom.
Bentley is prohibited by state law from disclosing any information about disciplinary action against the student involved in the incident, said J. Andrew Shepardson, dean of student affairs.
“We take any violation of policy seriously, especially one that potentially jeopardizes the safety of the community,” he said in a phone interview. “There are many facts we have to determine.”
Students interviewed said they feel safe on campus, despite the alleged stabbing.
“I’ve walked on campus at all hours and I’ve never felt unsafe,” said Mariela Spillari, a Bentley senior.
She said the main reaction she heard from students was a concern that the administration might feel pressured to make security changes that aren’t needed.
“A lot of us really enjoy the ability to bring guests on campus,” said Spillari. “The chances of that happening again — I don’t know what they would do to change that. They’re not going to build gates at every entrance.”
Shepardson said there are no security changes in the works and added that the administration would consult with students before making such changes.
“At Bentley we’re always reviewing our policies and procedures in light of any new information,” he said. “One of the unique features of Bentley is we want to engage students in helping us solve concerns that arise.”
Students also said the university did a good job keeping them informed, sending out at least three emails that are now posted online at www.bentley.edu.
John Guilfoil of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Lisa Kocian can be reached at lkocian@globe.com.
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