Tuesday, September 11, 2001

London Centre removes TCU identification
By Kristin Campbell
Staff Reporter

TCU London Centre students were advised Tuesday evening to stay home and to not wear clothing that might identify them as Americans following the attacks on the United States Tuesday morning.

Susan Layne, London Centre coordinator, said Lisa Atkins, London Centre director, confirmed that a TCU sign on the London Centre building was removed. Florida State University, which shares facilities with TCU has also removed all American identifications.

Layne said this is not the first time the London Centre has removed American identifications. She said it is a standard damage control procedure.

Erica Lindell, a junior psychology major, said Atkins and Karen Steele, TCU English professor and faculty-in-residence, informed the 18 London Centre students on the attack and instructed them to keep a low profile and to not advertise that they are Americans.

Lindell said she was not concerned about her own safety but said she was more worried about friends and family at home.

Rickey Smith, father of Shana Smith, a sophomore psychology major, said he was not any more worried about his daughter now than when she was at home.

“She did not seem the least bit upset or worried about her safety,” he said after a phone conversation with his daughter.

Holly Carless, a sophomore premajor, said she noticed a distinct change in British attitudes toward Americans. She said many of the London locals that she found typically unfriendly, were surprisingly compassionate, outgoing and concerned.

However, she said she is homesick and uneasy.

“It sounds silly, but I’m still slightly paranoid,” Carless said. “I’m trying to stay out of the spotlight.”

Reagan Duplisea, a senior news-editorial journalism major, said she and co-workers watched coverage of the events on BBC while working at her internship with the Leighton House Museum. She said the reality of the attack still seemed unbelievable and surreal.

“Everyone said it seems like a movie,” Duplisea said.

As reported by CNN, British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced a number of precautionary measures, which included the closing of the London Stock Exchange and other key buildings. All civilian flights over London were stopped and UK defense facilities around the world were put on the highest alert. CNN also reported that U.S. troops in Europe were put on the highest level security alert.

Kristin Campbell
k.a.campbell@student.tcu.edu