Security cameras around the dormitories and parking lots have recently been added to the University of Judaism campus.
Director of Residential Life Shoham Nicolet said in an interview that the increase in security measures is owing to recent turmoil in the Middle East. “When world situations like these occur, we sit and debate whether this will affect the campus, and then act accordingly,” she explained.
Because our campus is openly affiliated with the Jewish community, Nicolet asserted that it is at risk for possible terrorist attacks. However, it faces less risk than other potential Jewish targets. Over the summer, the school participated in a federal assessment of its risk for attack, andt filed a security grant application. The outcome of the assessment showed that the campus is less at risk than other prominent area institutions.
“We are not a target compared to other institutions in the area such as Stephen S. Wise Temple or the Getty Center,” Nicolet said, adding, “we are a less attractive target because of our small size and scattered population.”
Although some students I’ve spoken to feel their privacy is being invaded, especially with so many cameras around the dorm buildings, many have told me they understand the need for such security measures.
And the cameras are the only change that needed to made, Nicolet said. Although she emphasized that members of the UJ community should always be cautious about attacks, she said it is not neccessary for the UJ to stop functioning as it normally does. Further, no major changes such as fences or metal detectors are expected to be implemented, she said.