WA - Dozens of Gig Harbor High School students demonstrated outside the school Monday to protest an official's decision to show parents surveillance video of their daughter kissing another girl.
The controversy arose after the school's dean of students, Keith Nelson, saw the two kissing and holding hands and found video of it on the surveillance system. He showed it to the parents of one of the girls because they had asked to be kept apprised of her behavior.
The parents moved the girl to a different school district after watching it.
One student reporting the demonstration for the school paper, Amber Critchley, said the protesters believe it was an improper use of the surveillance video, which is primarily a security feature. (more)
Alternative scenario...
• Dean sees inappropriate conduct on school property.
• Parents have asked to be kept apprised of their child's conduct.
• Dean consults with school psychologist to determine the best way to proceed - taking into account the student's feelings as well as the parent's.
A private meeting ensues to discuss the issue. No publicity. No trust-crushing, embarrassing, jack-boot, roll-the-tape surveillance tactics. Some good comes of this for all concerned.
Wisely used, electronic surveillance remains a generally acceptable safety and security tool. Unwisely used, it degenerates into a distrusted and loathsome 1984 power-tool.
Before giving anyone a power-tool wouldn't training on safe and proper usage be appropriate?
Just a thought.
