The recent implementation of the access control plan in the Troy Building has fostered many complaints from students. Walking past the Troy Building, you can hear grumbles from those leaving about the hassle of the security guard. A lot of students are questioning the reason behind such heightened security.
It is hard to see how this is a response to homeland security concerns and if its necessary to have a double lockdown on President Jackson’s office. The new security officer comes as an addition to the set of locked doors that visitors can presently get through only after the receptionist grants you access.
The new measures also add confusion because there are plans to add locked doors to both the fourth and fifth floors of the building. There was no noticeable need for this new measure before, and there especially seems to be less cause since there is security guard at all entrances to the Troy Building.
The new security system also makes the registrar and bursar’s office a hassle to get to. Walking into the bursar’s office used to be a routine trip; now waiting in line is all you can expect. As you’re waiting for others to find their ID cards, you begin to realize that there does not seem to be a true reason for restricting access.
This program is planned to be spread around campus and used in academic buildings it is difficult to see its possible effectiveness. Academic buildings are plagued with high traffic and it would be difficult to prevent people from entering without permission. While it doesn’t sound unreasonable to have the doors of buildings controlled automatically to make lockdown at night easier, it seems like this should be the limit. Although thoughts of using closed circuit televisions are already on the minds of administrators, this option should be considered carefully and the importance of privacy should be kept in mind.
Security is an important issue on campus, we must be careful to enforce it in moderation. Lit streets and regular patrolling by Public Safety are the best way to provide general safety on campus, but these too must not be overused or done in excess. Safety is important to all of us but if we begin to feel like Big Brother is watching us, the issue of safety is forgotten.
