The URGE organization amoung others at Mercer University are concerned. Recently, the university has installed flock cameras across the campus, and I, along with many other students, feel that this is an invasion of our privacy and daily lives. As a Mercer community, we value our freedom, trust, and privacy, all of which seem compromised by the presence of these cameras.

Flock cameras are often used to monitor vehicular activity with a specific focus on license plate tracking. However, on a university campus, their utility is questionable. What are we tracking here? Students, faculty, and staff who all call this place their second home? The implementation of these cameras was not adequately communicated to the student body, leaving many of us concerned about the implications for our security and privacy without our consent.

While I understand the need for maintaining safety on campus, these measures should not come at the expense of our privacy rights. There are alternative methods to ensure our safety, such as increasing foot patrols by campus security or implementing improved lighting in areas of concern. Solutions like these enhance our safety collaboratively without compromising personal freedoms.

In cities like San Francisco, where attempts to use similar surveillance methods have sparked public outrage and debate, we've seen that these systems can lead to mistrust and an uncomfortable living environment. Moreover, several studies, including those from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, highlight the potential misuse of such systems, which can lead to unwarranted profiling and increased surveillance beyond intended privacy boundaries.

The Mercer community deserves to have a say in the decisions that affect their day-to-day lives. Our voices matter and our privacy is not a policy issue that can be decided unilaterally. I ask my fellow students, faculty, and all those who support our cause to demand the removal of these cameras and for Mercer University to engage in a transparent dialogue about our campus's safety strategies.

Sign this petition to show Mercer University that surveillance without proper consultation and consent is not acceptable. Let’s work together to find better solutions that respect our privacy while ensuring our safety.