Students Concerned, Confused After TU Clarifies Plans To Repair, Not Replace, Blue Light Phones

Students at the University of Tulsa say they're concerned and confused after TU said it was replacing its "blue light phones." Those phones are used in emergencies for students to call police at the touch of button.

On Friday afternoon, TU announced it will not be getting rid of these blue light phones, it will repair them instead.

This comes after students told News On 6 they were concerned when they saw this sheet of paper over the phones which said the phones would be phased out. It told students to instead download an app called "Safe Zone."

Students said Friday me they were concerned about only having an app, because sometimes phones die, or they leave their phones at home.

"Blue light meant more to that. They meant that if you didn't have that you had that capability, as well as forget even having a cell phone. What if you can't reach your cell phone in time,” TU student Madison Hemenway said. “These buttons or something you can press easily and get 911 as well as campus security to be there faster than maybe you could've."

The University sent a new statement Friday afternoon to News On 6’s Amelia Mugavero, saying,

"The University of Tulsa is committed to keeping the blue-lighted emergency phones across campus and has begun the process of replacing the outdated analog system to restore reliable functionality as soon as possible."

TU said it will still use the escort system as well as the app as supplements to the blue light phones, not a replacement.

You can read TU's full clarification statement below.

“The safety of our students is always our top priority. The University of Tulsa is committed to keeping the blue-lighted emergency phones across campus and has begun the process of replacing the outdated analog system to restore reliable functionality as soon as possible. Campus Security will continue to respond to escort requests and will support the operation of the new SafeZone app for members of the TU community who utilize the smartphone option. We appreciate the students who brought this need to our attention and encourage all students, faculty and staff to share concerns with administrators to make our campus safe, healthy, inclusive and vibrant.”