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Cameras at BHS: is it 1984 or safe schooling?
Berkeley High School students may feel a little like “1984” protagonist Winston Smith this year if the School Board OKs security cameras for the school.
Superintendent Jack McLaughlin laughed at the Orwellian comparison and said that cameras have been encouraged by the Police and Fire departments since the April 5 fire that caused $2 million in damage.
“I would never use the word surveillance,” he said.
The cameras will be on the board’s agenda Aug. 16. It is up to the board to make the ultimate decision on whether to have them installed.
McLaughlin said that it will be the first time the board has discussed putting cameras in the high school and he hopes that it will be authorized at the meeting.
McLaughlin said the Fire Department already has the locations for the cameras mapped out in the hallways and stairwells. He guessed the cost of implementing the security cameras to be “around $30,000,” although the number of cameras in question is yet to be determined.
Sophomore Maggie Grove said the thought of being watched is “kind of unpleasant.”
“I think it’s kind of an invasion of privacy. People walk around and socialize in the hallways,” she said. “I can see how it’s a good thing because of the millions of fires, though.”
“(So far) none of the security measures have helped anything,” she said.
McLaughlin said the cameras would no doubt be a deterrent to vandalism and other crimes.
He added that the Fire Department has also made other suggestions, such as lettering buildings so they are easily identified.
“They’re bringing us up to speed to protect the students,” he said. said the thought of being watched is “kind of unpleasant.”
“I think it’s kind of an invasion of privacy. People walk around and socialize in the hallways,” she said. “I can see how it’s a good thing because of the millions of fires, though.”
“(So far) none of the security measures have helped anything,” she said.
McLaughlin said the cameras would no doubt be a deterrent to vandalism and other crimes.
He added that the Fire Department has also made other suggestions, such as lettering buildings so they are easily identified.
“They’re bringing us up to speed to protect the students,” he said.
