May 3, 2007

UNC Lists Banned Students on Web

In the post 9/11 era, the balance of safety concerns with privacy concerns has become a delicate matter. Sometimes, concerns about safety clearly cross the line and invade people's privacy. The University of Northern Colorado has done just that.

Here's the deal: In response to concerns about safety on campus that have arisen since the Virginia Tech shootings, the University of Northern Colorado has posted on their website the names and pictures of students and other individuals who have been banned from campus. Public response to this controversy has been heated. The full story is in the Denver Post.

After what happened at Virginia Tech, it's completely understandable that college campuses are making more of an effort to keep their campuses safer. There are many rational and helpful things colleges can do to make this happen. Campus police officers can receive additional training. Campus wide emergency communications systems can be installed and updated.

But posting pictures of people who have been banned from campus on the web? Is this supposed to help? College campuses are huge places. Anyone can slip in quietly and do something as simple as throw on a baseball cap to evade recognition.

Besides, Seung-Hui Cho wasn't banned from Virginia Tech. He was a student in good standing.

The tiny possibility that this website might stop a killer does not even come close to outweighing the privacy rights that it violates. The University of Northern Colorado's reaction to the Virginia Tech shootings is completely irrational and inappropriate, and they can most certainly expect to see lawsuits in the near future.