Big Brother Coming To A Dorm Near You: No warrant to search dorms at KU
A proposed policy at the University of Kansas would allow student housing supervisors to enter students’ rooms without a search warrant, if they had probable cause to believe students were drinking alcohol, or doing drugs, inside.
“The proposed change to the housing policy is part of a series of steps we’re taking to try and reduce excessive alcohol consumption on campus,” said Jack Martin, KU spokesperson.
Martin says this change could make it so residence hall supervisors could open and enter student rooms with a key if they had reason to believe students were partying inside and violating the housing policy.
“If there was the smell of drugs being used or other reason to believe there was alcohol being used or drug use taking place,” said Martin.
The policy now requires a search warrant to enter a dorm room if the student doesn’t allow them to enter, but Martin says the proposed policy could stop illegal activity before students can hide it.
“Students’ privacy is still protected but it allows us to enforce the policies that we have against drugs and alcohol on campus,” said Martin.
Student Body President Mason Heilman says he wants feedback from KU students before anything is officially decided.
“I could see both sides of the issue from the student perspective. I know the Student Housing Advisory Board students were in favor of it but I don’t know who those students were or how many there were,” said Heilman.
Meanwhile, other students we spoke with say it’s not a bad idea after the recent alcohol related deaths on campus.
“I think that leaves a good reason for the RA’s to go through knock on the doors and go in, but if it’s searching through drawers and everything then that’s where a privacy issue would come into play,” said Mitch Creed, KU student.
The proposed policy could be implemented as soon as September, and would most likely be limited to what is out in plain sight.
Source: KSNT
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