Briefing on Higher Education Campus Safety and Security

August 14, 2026 - 00:22

On Thursday, July 16th, the National Governors Association brought together its Criminal Justice Policy Advisors and Governors Education Policy Advisors for a joint monthly briefing. The session zeroed in on public safety at colleges and universities, with a particular emphasis on managing security risks during campus events.

The discussion gave state policy teams a chance to compare notes on what is working and what is not when it comes to protecting students, faculty, and visitors. With large gatherings like football games, concerts, and commencement ceremonies drawing thousands of people, the challenge of keeping those spaces secure has become a top concern for state leaders.

Advisors reviewed practical strategies that schools have adopted, including coordination with local law enforcement, communication protocols during emergencies, and ways to spot potential threats before they escalate. The briefing also touched on how campuses can balance openness with security, since colleges are meant to be accessible places for learning and community activity.

For the governors' education advisors, the conversation connected directly to broader questions about how institutions prepare for crises. For the criminal justice side, it tied into how state agencies support local responses. The NGA framed the session as a way to bridge those two perspectives, helping states develop more unified approaches to campus safety.

No formal recommendations were issued, but the exchange of ideas gave both networks a clearer picture of the tools and policies available. The briefing is part of an ongoing series that keeps state advisors informed on emerging issues across education and public safety.