A reported sexual assault on the campus of the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland has sparked outrage among students, who say the incident has deepened existing fears about their safety. The matter led to a protest on Tuesday, as frustrated students gathered on the institution’s western campus to demand stronger and more consistent security measures. Several protesters stressed that the incident was not isolated, noting that it marked the second alleged rape reported during their time at the college.
According to police, the most recent incident occurred on Sunday night. Investigators say the female student had just returned to the campus when she was attacked and raped. When a taxi dropped her off just on the compound, she began walking in the direction of the administrative office. She did not make it to the building, as one or more unknown individuals snatched her from behind. She was subsequently raped and released. Detectives attached to the Port Antonio Criminal Investigations Branch are now probing the matter, though further details have not yet been confirmed.
Students felt deeply disturbed by the incident, which they were allegedly unaware of until it aired on local news. A crowd of students gathered outside, chanting that the school is not safe on Tuesday. One particular student, fourth-year animal science student Nackelia Jackson, indicated that the school’s admin has been silent about the matter. She expressed that the incident reinforced long-standing concerns about weak security on campus. Jackson explained that after a previous rape was reported, security measures were introduced, but only for a short period. She said those efforts faded after about a month, leaving students feeling exposed once again.
She described the campus as being too easily accessible, claiming that people without authorisation regularly move freely through the grounds. According to Jackson, she also saw a man inside her dormitory building. She said it was clear that he had no business being there, but he had access to the place, which made it even clearer that she could be the next victim. She indicated that there was no clear response from authorities to the awkward encounter.
Concerns were also raised about surveillance on the campus. Jackson questioned why security cameras appeared to be concentrated around agricultural areas rather than student living spaces. “Why are the animals getting more security than us?” she asked, arguing that the placement sends the wrong message about student safety.
She noted that the school has not issued an official statement. She expressed fear that the situation could have involved any student, adding that the lack of visible action from the administration has left many feeling unprotected, even within their dorm rooms.
In response, CASE issued a statement saying it is providing support to the affected student and remains committed to the safety and well-being of its campus community. The institution has also encouraged students to move in groups when possible and to report suspicious behaviour to campus security or the Directorate of Student Affairs, as investigations continue.
