If the Residence Hall Association has its way, there will be stronger rules against the improper use of cameras and video-recording devices in residence halls.
RHA voted almost unanimously Thursday to pass legislation tightening the restrictions on using video- and picture-recording devices in the halls.
The resolution will now go to the Office of Housing and Residence Life for further consideration. If Housing decides to adopt it, a policy could appear in the Housing and Residence Life Handbook by Fall Semester.
The resolution states, "In conjunction with Ball State University's harassment policy, no person using a camera or video/picture-recording device shall interfere with the personal or academic life of another person within the residence halls."
The resolution that was passed is a revised version of a previous one that had stronger wording. The original resolution would have banned the use of cameras and recording devices in residence hall common areas without permission from a hall director or resident assistant.
According to the resolution's author, Adam Roberts, the resolution rose out of concern from some students that residents were using cameras improperly and taking pictures and video recordings of people without consent.
The original resolution faced criticism from RHA members concerning the ability of hall directors and RAs to enforce it.
Roberts said he doesn't feel the revision takes anything away from what he was trying to accomplish.
"I don't think we gave up anything," Roberts said. "We didn't have to compromise students' safety."
Roberts said the new version reflects what would work best for students and that it leaves room for Housing to include provisions that would work best for administrators.
"I think Housing will look highly upon our recommendation," Roberts said. "I believe they will discuss it thoroughly and make revisions."
Stacy Ploskonka, Botsford Hall representative, was one of the few who voted against the resolution. She said students at the Botsford Hall Council meeting didn't think a new policy was necessary.
"They felt like it was infringing on their rights," Ploskonka said.
She said members of her hall believe the university's harassment policy is enough.
"A few people are against having any restrictions at all," Ploskonka said. "They feel like these things are bound to happen."
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