Removing data will not increase safety
I am writing in response to the article in Tuesday’s paper regarding the removal of the campus directory from the LSU Web site.
I agree that the University should take precautionary measures to keep personal information out of the public eye, but I do not think that removing the campus directory from the Web site will keep people from finding out personal information.
Although the directory was removed from the LSU Web site, it is still available to LSU students through PAWS. That seems to completely defeat the purpose of removing it from the Web site; so many people have access to PAWS accounts.
After reading this article, I checked my account and had no idea that my information was listed and open to the public.
I was pleased to find out that we have the option of withholding information from PAWS, and quickly withheld my information from the Internet.
This, however, does not make me feel much safer.
Kristin Shannon, one of the students interviewed for the article, said, “I think if someone really wants to get in touch with you or wants to stalk you, they’ll find a way.”
I totally agree with her statement.
I applaud the University and those trying to make LSU a safer environment, but I do not think that simply removing names, phone numbers and addresses from the Web site ensures or increases someone’s safety.
Thanks for trying anyway.
Emily LeBlanc
Sophomore — Mass Communication