Whereas the University has recently installed at least 1,200 new security cameras around campus (some with audio recording capabilities), including in spaces of public assembly such as the Diag and the Law Quad; and
Whereas SPG 606.01—which had governed the use of security cameras—was recently withdrawn; and
Whereas the newly published SPG 510.02 markedly reduces the protections governing the use of security cameras; and
Whereas scholarly research evaluating the usefulness of security cameras in deterring and solving crime is out of date; and
Whereas the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs adopted a resolution in July 2025 articulating its unease with the proliferation of surveillance technologies on campus; and
Whereas the American Association of University Professors has recently called upon the University to reinstate SPG 606.01, fund a study on the effectiveness of security cameras in deterring and solving crime, remove cameras from the Diag and the Law Quad, and place a moratorium on the installation of more cameras on campus; and
Whereas we are informed that the University is presently revising SPG 510.02 in response to suggestions raised by SACUA, the AAUP, and other stakeholders;
Now be it resolved
- That we are concerned that the proliferation of surveillance technologies on campus compromises the freedom of faculty, students, and staff;
- That the University should fund a scholarly study evaluating the usefulness of security cameras in deterring and solving violent crime. This study should be conducted with the oversight of faculty government and the involvement of relevant scholarly experts;
- That the University should likewise organize a study to determine whether cameras (1) create unease among students, faculty members, and staff members and (2) unduly constrain their freedom of expression;
- That the revised SPG concerning security cameras, or any other policies related to security cameras that are not implemented as an SPG, should be placed before the Senate Assembly for discussion and review before they are
Adopted by the Faculty Senate Assembly on March 23, 2026