2008 Woodie Awards
Security Taking it a Step Too Far?
Emily Desjarlais
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: Op Ed
Security at MC has gotten out of hand. Originally, students were informed that security was here to protect outsiders from getting in the buildings, but as of late it seems as if they are working to keep students out. Recently I had a run-in with a building area coordinator, and it left me questioning whether or not security is really doing their job.
As we all know, Thursday nights are big here on campus. After a long night out, everyone mostly just wants to get in his or her bed and pass out, not worry about passing the security. The Thursday of my run-in started off with the loss of my student ID, so when I returned to my building around 3:00 a.m. the guard on duty questioned me. Successfully answering all of my questions (room number, R.A.'s, student ID number), the guard told me that I was allowed to go through.
However, the area coordinator denied me access, even though security let me pass. I was told I would not be let into the building without photo proof. So I sat…and sat some more, trying my hardest to get in contact with anyone that could possibly have a photo of me. I finally got a hold of my suitemates after calling numerous times to wake them up (this is now around 3:30), and both were kind enough to roll out of bed and come downstairs to tell the AC that I did in fact live in Horan.
He still didn't believe me, and told me that he would have to follow me upstairs. The AC followed me to my room, watched me punch in my combination, and then crossed the line. He came into my room and made me feel violated; as if I was under prison security. Was he going to watch me change into my pajamas too? Saying that he came in to see photo proof, he looked at my photos on the wall and when it was determined that I was, in fact, the one in those pictures he turned around and left.
I understand that I made a mistake in losing my ID, but the AC is out of control.
Another resident of the hall came in, flashed her ID, and went to the elevator. So what did he do? He told the security guard he would be right back; that he was following this girl to make sure she went to her room. Last time I checked, once a student is inside the building they can go where they please.
He followed a girl who was alone up to her room. Does anyone else see something wrong here? I think it's wrong to stand at the guard booth in a suit at 4:00 a.m., but it's even more wrong to follow people to their rooms. Security- we pay your salary, lighten up.
With the enforcing of such rules in residence halls, I feel like I'm more of a prisoner than a student. I can't even visit friends in other residence halls past 2:00a.m., and other outside guests can not past midnight.
Starting October 1st, students won't be let into Horan Hall if their ID is faded. Seriously? How can Chrysostom and Jasper have no security, and Horan and East Hill have a security process not unlike Rikers Island? Maybe I'll just transfer over to Rikers; I heard they have a nice cafeteria setup. Lighten up security and let us be college students, not inmates.
As we all know, Thursday nights are big here on campus. After a long night out, everyone mostly just wants to get in his or her bed and pass out, not worry about passing the security. The Thursday of my run-in started off with the loss of my student ID, so when I returned to my building around 3:00 a.m. the guard on duty questioned me. Successfully answering all of my questions (room number, R.A.'s, student ID number), the guard told me that I was allowed to go through.
However, the area coordinator denied me access, even though security let me pass. I was told I would not be let into the building without photo proof. So I sat…and sat some more, trying my hardest to get in contact with anyone that could possibly have a photo of me. I finally got a hold of my suitemates after calling numerous times to wake them up (this is now around 3:30), and both were kind enough to roll out of bed and come downstairs to tell the AC that I did in fact live in Horan.
He still didn't believe me, and told me that he would have to follow me upstairs. The AC followed me to my room, watched me punch in my combination, and then crossed the line. He came into my room and made me feel violated; as if I was under prison security. Was he going to watch me change into my pajamas too? Saying that he came in to see photo proof, he looked at my photos on the wall and when it was determined that I was, in fact, the one in those pictures he turned around and left.
I understand that I made a mistake in losing my ID, but the AC is out of control.
Another resident of the hall came in, flashed her ID, and went to the elevator. So what did he do? He told the security guard he would be right back; that he was following this girl to make sure she went to her room. Last time I checked, once a student is inside the building they can go where they please.
He followed a girl who was alone up to her room. Does anyone else see something wrong here? I think it's wrong to stand at the guard booth in a suit at 4:00 a.m., but it's even more wrong to follow people to their rooms. Security- we pay your salary, lighten up.
With the enforcing of such rules in residence halls, I feel like I'm more of a prisoner than a student. I can't even visit friends in other residence halls past 2:00a.m., and other outside guests can not past midnight.
Starting October 1st, students won't be let into Horan Hall if their ID is faded. Seriously? How can Chrysostom and Jasper have no security, and Horan and East Hill have a security process not unlike Rikers Island? Maybe I'll just transfer over to Rikers; I heard they have a nice cafeteria setup. Lighten up security and let us be college students, not inmates.