Western University adopts new safety measure that is making some people feel less safe

Western University is introducing an identification procedure that issues students, staff and visitors cards which must used on campus. Those cards are sparking questions and concerns.

Students flow into Western University’s Alumni Hall Monday to emerge a short time later carrying, or wearing, their new campus identification.

At first, third-year journalism student Lily McDonald supported the new security measures, especially in light of concerns raised about alleged sexual assaults during orientation week.

“I think that it’s a good policy to put in place considering everything that’s been happening on campus. I think that it will bring a lot of students peace of mind, especially first-year students, considering the year that they’ve had.”

But as McDonald analyzed the ID, concerns began to arise. The lanyard identifies the faculty she’s in and the card carries here name, picture and student number. She admits that could be problematic, especially where social media is concerned.

“That would be the easiest way. You could figure out what faculty I’m in, what school I go to and my name. So, they could totally find information about me through Facebook, or other websites like that.”

When asked if she found that concerning, she replied, “A little bit.”

Questions have been raised about the consultation process that went into developing this policy, with some saying they can see no signs of any consultation.