Campus Police Chief reacts to Web cam

I have been reading with interest the concern expressed by the Technician and a recent letter to the Editor about the cameras in the library.

This past spring, University Planning and Analysis conducted a Community Attitude Survey concerning safety and the services provided by the University Police Department. Some 2,151 staff, faculty, and students responded to the survey, including 1,251 students.

As part of that survey, the following question (#21) was asked: “In which of the following increased security measures would you willingly participate or support at NC State: D. Use of television cameras to augment security in the common areas inside of buildings.” 69.9% of the respondents said yes, while 30.1% said no. 68.1% of the students supported the use of cameras in common areas inside of the buildings. Part of the survey took place after Virginia Tech, and the support rose to 73.9%.

The library has reacted in the best interests of the security of the library and clearly the majority of its patrons agreed with their decision.

Chief Tom YounceUniversity Police Department

N.C. State and diversity I cannot tell you how many times over the past two weeks I have seen a sign encouraging myself, as well as other N.C. State students, to celebrate diversity. I support the University’s efforts to encourage students to learn about and accept other students’ cultures and religions. However, I find it ironic that, while the University is willing to encourage diversity in those areas, they don’t seem to be taking much action towards encouraging the acceptance of alternative lifestyles. And by alternative lifestyles, I mean the LGBT community. Since even before move-in weekend, I’ve been hearing about the controversy over the proposed (and now accepted) plans for an LGBT center on campus. While I’m glad that the plans were approved, it confuses me as to why it took so long. It seems to me that, while the University has no problem preaching to students about accepting other cultures and religions, they’ve been hesitant on encouraging students to accept the LGBT community. I hope that the University hasn’t been swayed by the religious beliefs of a certain portion of the students. Honestly, I don’t believe the plans for an LGBT center are, or should be, a moral issue. The fact of the matter is that those students are more subject to discrimination than any other group of students at the University and need a support center just as much as any other group of students. University officials need to realize this and not be so hesitant in future decisions dealing with the LGBT community.

Charlie BurnettFreshman, First Year College