Senate opposes residence hall camera proposal

The St. John’s Senate is deeply concerned with the administration’s proposed installation of a surveillance system in all undergraduate residential halls lounges, corridors and other shared spaces on campus. We feel that it is our duty, as the representatives of the students and residents of these halls, to voice our concern and disapproval of the proposed plan for the installation of this surveillance system, as we believe that it is a complete and utter invasion and infringement on the privacy of our students.

Firstly, we would like to acknowledge the concern that the administration has that warrants the need for more security measures to be implemented. The reason for this surveillance system has been cited as to protect the property of the University after numerous reports of theft and damages to lounges, corridors and other shared spaces. While we understand these concerns, while also keeping in mind the recent Patrick Hall incidents, we firmly believe that this approach to the installation of this surveillance system goes beyond what is necessary to keep our students and residential hall property safe.

Additionally, though the administration has claimed that the footage will only be reviewed under circumstances where damage or a conduct incident has been reported, we are of the opinion that the constant surveillance of shared residential space is not only an infringement and invasion of the residents’ privacy but will also dissuade many Johnnies from utilizing all the gathering and common areas and destroy the communal and social life of the residential halls, which is the fundamental opposite of the goals of the Benedictine value of community.

Therefore, we are starkly opposed to the current plan that the administration has put forth for the installation of this surveillance system.

Therefore, the St. John’s Senate, has formed a petition that has outlined a compromise for the administration. With the signatures of five-hundred Johnnies by the end of day on Feb. 18, vowing to maintain all residential halls and go without major damages for a period of 30 days, we would ask that the administration reconsider their plans for the surveillance system, while taking into consideration the previously mentioned grievances.

The St. John’s Senate will run campaigns and initiatives in conjunction with residential assistants and faculty residents to ensure that all residents comply with this vow so that we can ensure that our concerns of the installation of surveillance systems in our residential halls do not come to pass.

We hope that every Johnnie will play their part in ensuring that we, as a student body, are not only heard, but listened to and respected as we advocate for and defend our privacy and community.