There has been a notable increase in security at RPI in recent months, including five security cameras being placed around campus. The concern of the editorial board is that these cameras, in addition to other new security measures, have not been joined with a privacy policy outlining how the recorded information would be used.
While protecting students through increased security is important, it is imperative to also protect the identities of innocent students. Under the current system, the recordings from security cameras are held for seven days by Public Safety. Other information, such as the ID and radio vehicle tags used for entering the dormitories or parking gates, is held for 30 days. Right now, accessing this information only requires the signatures of Vice President for Administration Claude Rounds and Chief Information Officer John Kolb.
When visiting a doctor, the law requires you to view and sign a privacy statement which outlines how your personal information will be used and stored. However, after enrolling at RPI, students are given no information about which data is recorded or how it is used. As students at this institution, we have a right and responsibility to know which data RPI records and how it can be used.
Implementing a comprehensive policy that clearly addresses privacy on campus is an urgent initiative that must be undertaken by the administration. The Dean of Students Office, the students’ chief advocate within the administration, currently has no role in signing off on the release of our records. A privacy policy is being discussed by the Faculty Senate and it is an issue which should be addressed by the newly elected Student Senate. These bodies, along with the administration, must work together to get a policy protecting the students and faculty implemented.
