More and more, we are being conditioned to accept police state-measures for increased security. This temporary security comes with a cost: the loss of civil liberties. On September 12th, 2005, Pace University was given a $75,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security, citing its proximity to the World Trade Center site. With this grant, Pace University has installed a high tech camera system that records in real time and has zoom, pan and tilt capabilities.

In addition to this, Pace upgraded its Security Center in the main lobby of the Downtown campus. At this very Security Center, several Pace students have witnessed Homeland Security agents requesting information about students. These agents have been seen
flashing Department of Homeland Security badges and requesting information on students via a list. This is very troubling. Our diverse student body should not have to be subject to such scrutiny on any level whether it be city, state or federal officials. Such scrutiny is not limited to students, however. Recently, a Palestinian professor was removed from her class by Homeland Security agents citing issues with her visa. She was then deported where she spent weeks in limbo in Lebanon. We are however glad to have her back, she returned this past week.

Outragous security measures are not a new thing at Pace. Last year, a proposal to install turnstills at entrances caused an uproar among several groups. Many students felt uncomfortable with the idea of having to swipe our ID cards in order to gain entrance to our campus. Already, students who reside in the dorms on campus have to swipe their room keys at the entrance. All of their information is stored on computers: when they comeand go and how often.

The Pace chapter of SDS is deeply concerned by our university’s cooperation with government officials. Even more so, we are concerned by the growing security element on campus. We find it intrusive, unneccessary and a way for the university to condition us into accepting such measuresbeyond the university level. We refuse to accept this.