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September 9, 2010

Our View: This school security measure goes too far

Communities have a responsibility to keep their students safe. But the ramped-up security measures now in place at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, and being considered by others, come dangerously close to violating personal privacy rights.

At Whittier, which takes in students from Ipswich and other communities in the northern part of the county, every visitor must present a driver's license or other form of identification. That person's information is then run through a computer program called LobbyGuard. According to school officials, if the visitor is listed in a sex offender registry or is a parent under court order to stay away from a child, that person will not be allowed into the school.

Even if no derogatory information comes up, visitors are photographed and have to wear a badge with their image, identifying information and the name of those they are visiting.

There is good reason to demand identification of those visiting a school, and names ought to be checked against a list of any parent or other relative who has been ordered by the court to stay away.

But this goes too far. Someone who's been invited to conduct a workshop or with other business at the school might decide he doesn't want his personal privacy invaded this way. Where is the proof that other things — outstanding warrants, citizenship, etc. — can't, or won't, be checked by LobbyGuard, as well?

Big Brother was supposed to be a nightmare to avoid. It's a sad day when we allow a piece of computer software to determine who can and can't enter our schools.

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