AUSTIN, Texas (08/29/2025) – SafeHorns, a nonprofit parent-led safety advocacy group, welcomes The University of Texas at Austin’s announcement on Tuesday of expanded University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) patrols in West Campus. This development marks a milestone in a nearly decade-long effort by parents and community members to improve safety for students living and learning near campus.

Since its founding in 2016 following the tragic murder of Haruka Weiser, and reinforced by the 2017 campus stabbing that claimed the life of Harrison Brown, SafeHorns has been a tireless advocate for stronger safety measures. The organization, composed of thousands of engaged UT parents and alumni families, has worked to bring attention, resources, and solutions to the unique safety challenges in West Campus, the most densely populated student housing area in Austin.

“Tuesday’s announcement is the result of years of hard work and persistence,” said Joell McNew, President of SafeHorns. “Parents have been relentless in pushing for visible police presence, improved infrastructure, and practical safety programs. While UT rarely acknowledges our role, many of these changes, like upgraded
lighting, call boxes, West Campus Ambassadors, and the addition of golf carts to Sure Walk, began with the advocacy of SafeHorns families.”

McNew added, “SafeHorns parents are a force multiplier. We bring parent and student voices to the table and work alongside university leaders, law enforcement, and policymakers to keep safety on the agenda.”

In 2025, SafeHorns was honored by the U.S. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Association for its work on improved lighting in West Campus, a years-long project that parents identified as the top concern for student safety. SafeHorns also played a central role in advocating for the West Campus
Ambassadors program, based on successful national models, and for funding that ultimately led to UT’s current expansion of UTPD presence.

“SafeHorns exists because parents want their students—and every Longhorn after them—to experience campus life without the constant fear of crime,” McNew said. “We are encouraged by President Davis’ words and Chief Streepy’s commitment, but we know this work is far from finished. Safety must remain an ongoing
priority.”

As West Campus continues to grow in density and population, SafeHorns calls for continued collaboration among UT leadership, UTPD, the Austin Police Department, students, and families.

SafeHorns is also urging the Austin City Council to incorporate Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) standards into the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) expansion for West Campus, which will be voted on September 25. The group is calling for regular three-year physical security assessments of multifamily housing properties to ensure basic safety measures are in place and working as intended. “Although District 9 leadership has expressed support for safety, the City has not taken measurable action,” McNew said. “We need standardized oversight and accountability. Students deserve more than words, they deserve safe housing and safe streets.”

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About SafeHorns
SafeHorns is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by University of Texas at Austin parents and
community members in 2016 after the tragic loss of UT student Haruka Weiser. SafeHorns partners with
students, parents, safety experts, and community leaders to advocate for safer conditions on and near the
University of Texas at Austin campus. SafeHorns continuously fights for solutions, advocating for increased
safety measures, and building awareness because every Longhorn deserves to feel safe.

Media Contact:
Joell McNew
President, SafeHorns
media@safehorns.org
www.safehorns.org