In a matter of hours, the people of the world may well witness the beginning of the second Gulf War.
This time around, however, the United States has its color-coded Terror Alert System ready.
At press time, the United States was at terror alert level orange. Orange, second highest on the five level, color-coded terror alert system, means intelligence and analysis indicate that a high risk of terrorist attacks inside the United States exists.
Yellow, a step below, means an "elevated" level of risk.
In the event of war with Iraq, the nationwide terror alert will go to red, the most serious of the five-level system, which indicates a severe risk resulting in deployment of armed forces and possible grounding of air travel.
Also included in the red alert is the recommendation for the shutdown of all government buildings. Universities, along with elementary and secondary schools, are also encouraged to close.
Each elementary and secondary school is reacting differently. While some schools are dismissing altogether, others are conducting school as usual -- but with heightened security.
As for the Ball State University administration, there are no plans at this time to close the campus in the event of war in Iraq.
While that could change if the homeland situation takes an unfortunate turn, this current policy is the right one.
Elementary and secondary institutions have it differently; these students are required by law to be in school. However, the dynamic of college course attendance is different.
College students have more freedom to choose, debate and form their own opinions. Those who feel safe should not be turned away from class. Those who do not feel safe should not be forced to attend.
After all, students are arguably safer on a campus than they are going home on airplanes or interstates.
While it would be a tragedy to lose anyone, it is paramount that our nation's children are protected. By closing elementary and secondary schools, we can help keep our children safe.
However, within higher education, mass closings would impede education and defeat the purpose of protecting students.
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