The Gutman administration has acted strangely at times, but this really
takes the cake. `If she allowed and continues to allow this, Penn's president
seems to be genuinely certifiable. Her toadies, too.
The item below from today's DP. And, honest, I didn't make this up or
change anything.
You read about this absurd violation of civil rights here, first (if you
don't read the DP), on the ever-popular Popu-List
Courtesy of Al Krigman
Strip searches begin in the Quad
(http://media.www.dailypennsylvanian.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticlePrinterFriendlyuStory_id=11fa4f86-3235-46a7-a201-e0cbad4cf4cc)
Jared
McDonald
Security officers are stepping up their searches to prevent alcohol from
entering the Quad during Fling.
In an effort to stem the flow of alcohol into the Quadrangle in the weeks
leading up to Spring Fling, Quad security guards have stepped up the depth
of their searches of students' belongings.
Slated to go into effect today, the new policy - which allows random strip
searches of students who are suspected of carrying alcohol on their person
- is meeting intense criticism from various groups on campus. Their
objections range from privacy issues to fears that female Quad residents will
be
targeted.
One of the House Deans for the Quad College Houses said the strip-search
policy was prompted by a recent incident in which a security guard
performing a bag check noticed several flasks of vodka taped to a Quad
resident's
chest.
Though the incident provided the impetus for the policy, the House Dean
said the strip-searches were a long time coming.
Somehow, alcohol manages to make its way into the Quad every spring, he
said, adding that the diligent bag inspection process only covered one
potential avenue of entry.
Random strip-searches will help us cover more of our bases, he added.
Many oppose the policy, saying the added security is not reason enough for
the invasion of privacy.
A director of the Penn Women's Center called the policy atrocious.
She said the policy might be abused by guards. It's up to the whims of
the guards [to choose] who gets searched, she said. That is simply
unacceptable.
She added that no policy has been put in place to ensure that female
residents can request female guards.
I'm terrified, said College freshman and Riepe resident Julia Phelps.
Though she said she would feel more comfortable being searched by a female
guard, she thinks the policy still seems absurd.
However, College freshman and Daily Pennsylvanian staff writer Harrison
Garfinkle said he wasn't too disappointed with the news. It'll be the most
action I've gotten in months, he said.
The searches have already begun affecting students' lives.
Today, a security guard overheard me telling my friend I had stuffed
flasks in my boxers, said a College freshman and Quad resident who wished to
remain anonymous, adding, FML.
Professor George Weinstien, who teaches Constitutional Law said the random
searches presented many issues as well, including a basic violation of
privacy rights.
Even if the searches were truly random, he said, there exists
absolutely no legal precedent for strip-searching residents.
The Women's Center Director said PWC is planning a protest, which will
occur tomorrow night outside the Upper Quad gate.
But College House and Academic Services said safety concerns overrides
students' privacy. While we realize that strip-searches are an extreme
measure, student safety is a top priority, and one for which we will not
compromise, she said.
Sophomore Alice Johnson, who does not live in the Quad, said opponents of
the policy are overreacting.
Airports strip search, she said. Why not the Quad?
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