why not just dumb down the curriculum across the board?

I am just very opposed to measures that lower the quality of life for EVERYONE to stop one or two people from offing themselves. Its like taking every single bench away from Grand Central Station to prevent homeless people from sleeping there, so NOBODY has a place to sit. It makes me want to kill myself.and fence wont stop me.

"School officials consulted with "many experts both local and national" on suicide prevention and bridge barriers before selecting eight-foot tall chain-link fencing as a temporary solution."

Anyone else find this amusing? Like Cornell spends thousands of dollars on consulting fees and after all that, decides to go with a playground fence? Granted it is only temporary but still...

I would imagine the consultations were more about the effectiveness of a fence or other barrier, whether it encourages or discourages copycats, etc... not the particular style of fence to use.

This is a complex issue. Clearly the individuals at risk are suffering from some level o f mental illness or at the very least, temporary desparation. Data points to opportunity playing a big part in actions taken. On the other hand, opportunity abounds even if not so clearly identified. On balance, i think fences are a justifiable eyesore.

Cheer up Cornell, you're in the sweet 16!

This is a knee-jerk response. But it allows the administration to cya in the interim period until the next suicide occurs

NYU put up plexiglass walls in its library. There is no way to discern how many people have been deterred by this, but we do know it did not deter the individual who used a table or chair to climb over the barrier last November to kill himself.

I agree. They will find other ways to do it. They should invest the money in supportive and intervention services.

You guys are incorrect. Suicide barriers have been proven effective across the country and around the world, given that impulsivity is a huge factor in suicide. For a good summary of the available studies (though certainly not an exhaustive one), see here:

www.bridgerail.org/pdf/Barrier...

They should also build single story campuses moving forward. That way people won't die if they choose to jump from the first floor...

That'll stop em! Unless... they climb OVER the fence!

Don't underestimate them. They do go to Cornell. They'll just find new, innovative ways to end their lives.