I disagree with the idea of “saving” students through eliminating the LSU directory.
When I began working for The Reveille as a reporter, the directory was my best friend. Not only did the flimsy workbook give me information about those University employees I hoped to interview for my stories, but it also connected me to LSU’s students. I can remember countless attempts to contact Student Senators or specific organization members resolved only through the use of the student section of the directory. In my opinion, the directory is an essential tool for all members of the campus community. And similar to a phone book, removing it would hinder communication within the group.
During the Spring Break holiday, Computing Services, the Registrar’s Office, University Relations and the Chancellor’s Office collaborated and decided to remove student entries from the public online version of the directory. I understand this was University officials’ attempt to make students’ contact information harder to access. And I applaud their efforts. However, I do not believe this step will deter anyone who plans to stalk me.
Donald Hodge, a law student who wrote a Letter to the Editor, proved my point last week, when he sent the University Registrar a public records request for my directory information. Mr. Hodge is correct; my directory information is public record. Although someone outside the campus may not find a directory online, that person easily could find my information in countless other ways. The simple fact that I am a student of a public university makes my directory information public unless I make the effort to withhold it.
However, where Mr. Hodge would argue the University needs to go further and consider removing student directory information completely, I would argue otherwise. Again, someone who really wanted to stalk me would find my information no matter what. Removing the listings on the basis that it could happen is absurd and hurts those who simply are using it to communicate.
I’ve heard University officials are discussing the possibility of canceling or modifying the contract with the publishers of the print directory. I would encourage those officials to remember there always will be a public records law that allows anyone to request information about me as a member of a public institution. Those officials instead should discuss what directory information really is relevant for publication versus what should be kept on file.
Even if someone such as Mr. Hodge requested my directory information from the University Registrar and used it to stalk and kill me, the University would have record of that request. No smart serial killer would risk being discovered like that. Although we all hope he would, I can’t justify getting rid of the student directory for something that will not necessarily make me any safer.
I don’t want to lose the tool that allows my newspaper to check spellings of students’ names or search for e-mail addresses of my classmates. University leaders always are talking about how they would like LSU to become a true community. How can one be a good member of a community without a way to find contact information for other members?