Discussions to update EC security continue
HRS proposal includes Allied Universal desk attendants and security cameras
Conversations between Housing and Residential Services (HRS) and East Campus residents about improving EC security are ongoing. New security measures may include the installation of cameras and a security desk, similar to those of other undergraduate residences.
The discussion about EC security was prompted by multiple intruder incidents in the fall.
EC President Miana Smith ’21 wrote in an email to EC residents April 20 that HRS planned to implement security measures including cameras on external doors, an Allied Universal security desk, and guest lists of non-residents who can check into the security desk. According to Smith’s email, HRS had not previously discussed making these changes with EC’s residents or house team.
A Zoom webinar with EC residents was held April 22. David Friedrich, senior associate dean of HRS, Judy Robinson, senior associate dean for residential education, Rich Hilton, director of house operations, Don Camelio, associate dean for undergraduate residential life, and John DiFava, chief of MIT police, were present.
Friedrich wrote in an email to The Tech that following this meeting “based on feedback from residents… further discussion is needed.”
Friedrich also wrote that “discussions have been focused on security infrastructure that accounts for the East Campus setting as well as the baseline security in all other undergraduate residences, including Allied Universal desk attendants and security cameras along with the EC community’s interest in additional tap pads.”
EC residents voted on possible security measures in the fall, though none reached the two-thirds majority required by the EC constitution to pass a referendum.
EC Head of House Sandy Alexandre wrote in a January email to EC residents that she would request tap pads to be placed on all doors, writing that this referendum “was, in all likelihood, only 1 or 2 votes from passing anyway.” These tap pads have not since been installed.
The EC house team and EC exec declined The Tech’s request for comment.