Education

University’s Hate Crime And ‘Bias’ Allegations Plummet After 400 Security Cameras Installed

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A Massachusetts university has seen its weekly rate of hate crime and bias reports plummet by 93 percent after the placement of 400 security cameras on campus, according to a Monday report.

Westfield State University received 23 reports of bias incidents or hate crimes during the fall 2017 semester, but saw that number drop to only three complaints after the cameras’ installation, reported The College Fix.

“The cameras have certainly augmented our existing security on campus,” Westfield State spokeswoman Tricia Oliver told The Fix. “Plus, an increase in diversity and inclusivity educational programming has taken place over the last several months, led by the areas of Academic Affairs and Student Life. Such programming has resulted in productive discourse and conversation on these important topics …What we have seen, is a greater sentiment of unity.”

Most of the incidents reported to Westfield consisted of notes, vandalism, and slurs deemed racist. Scanlon Hall, a residential building on campus, accounted for the location of 10 of the 23 reports in fall 2017. However, the building has not been included in any reports since the school installed the security cameras.

The Daily Caller News Foundation reached out to Westfield for additional comment but received none in time for press.

Free speech groups argue that speech codes and bias response teams instituted by other colleges infringe upon students’ First Amendment rights. The University of Michigan system got sued earlier in May for such restrictions after offering 20 students free room and board for participating in language policing and other social justice initiatives.

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