Rumors regarding suspicious women around the JMU campus have been making their rounds online and throughout the EMU student body. 

According to a Sept. 21 update from the James Madison University Police Department, “Two non-affiliated females wearing long dresses approached students and asked them to join their organization and for personal information.” Despite there being no indication that the situation put these students in direct danger, altered details and misinformation have been spread via social media saying otherwise, claiming the women were attempting to traffic these students. These inaccurate details have made their way into EMU social channels too.

Wednesday, Sept. 21, a message was posted in EMU’s campus-wide group chat, the Royal Radar, alerting students of the suspicious activity taking place around JMU’s campus. The message, which was shared from an unnamed JMU student, warned of a “group of women who are walking around JMU – waiting outside dorms, dining halls, apartments, farmers market, etc. – and are dressed up as Amish women.” According to the message, these figures have approached students and asked them to join a Bible study group with the intention of finding victims for a sex trafficking circle. 

EMU Campus Safety addressed the situation in their own email to students and faculty. Wayne Martin, Campus Safety Manager, made the EMU body aware that Campus Safety is “in regular contact with JMU Police Department and Harrisonburg City Police Department about all situations that may impact our students.” He clarifies that law enforcement has found no evidence to suggest that the women approaching students pose any danger, though they have been identified and are being monitored by the JMU Police Department as a precaution. 

Though many of the details surrounding this situation have been skewed, it’s still urged that students be cautious while navigating campus, especially at night. 

In a follow-up email, Martin provides some of the practices students can do to stay safe:

• “When possible, travel in groups of two or more.
• Request Campus Safety escort you to your destination –  4911 from campus phone or 540-432-4911 from cell phone
• Plan your route and time to avoid areas that are not well lit. Report areas that are not well lit to campus safety
• Text a friend or family member to let them know where you are going, how long you think it will take, DO NOT forget to text them when you get there
• Download a siren/alarm phone app and have it ready to activate while you are walking or are outside at night
• Report all suspicious people, vehicles, or activities to Campus Safety immediately”