You Don’t Need To Sacrifice Privacy To Build A Safer, More Secure Campus
You Don’t Need To Sacrifice Privacy To Build A Safer, More Secure Campus
Publish Date: 2026-06-08 17:35:00
Source Domain: facilityexecutive.com
Successful higher education institutions understand safety and privacy are intrinsically connected, and that balancing them is essential.
Published: June 8, 2026 at 5:35 PM ET
By Jill Renihan, Axis Communications
The task of balancing campus safety with student privacy is a challenging one, and it requires universities to move beyond a “technology-first” mindset and instead adopt a “governance-first” approach focused on policies and procedures. The issue is no longer whether institutions should deploy advanced security technologies, but whether those measures can be implemented in a responsible and transparent manner that both enhances campus safety and maintains alignment with the values of higher education.
Today’s universities exist in an increasingly complex safety and security landscape, with threats ranging from trespassing and cybercrime to mental health crises and violent incidents. At the same time, the communities that colleges and universities serve commonly express a desire for more openness, transparency, and freedom of expression — including the right to protest — while also maintaining their right to privacy. Unfortunately, striking the right balance between security and privacy is not a straightforward task. Universities must begin by asking the right questions, establishing transparency and privacy as priorities from the earliest stage.
(Photo: Adobe Stock / Generated with AI by KEOCHAN)
Security vs. Privacy: Where To Start
Higher education institutions — and, frankly, any institution with a sizable campus — should begin the process of balancing security and privacy by asking a simple question: what specific problem needs to be solved? In today’s world, new and exciting security solutions are always…
