Installing surveillance cameras will only further the disconnect between students and administrators.

I can appreciate the difficulty of Langley’s situation as it considers installing surveillance cameras. After all, a series of thefts last year, plus a pulled fire alarm this year, doesn’t scream “great security.” Furthermore, I realize that, when it comes to theft, Langley can easily turn into a money mine.

However, the amount of money or property that can be saved from the installation of surveillance cameras doesn’t change the message of distrust and suspicion that surveillance cameras send to the student body.

During my four years at Langley, I’ve noticed strides in the relationship between students and the administration—homecoming week, five days of tension my freshman year, has transformed into a week of school spirit.

However, I don’t think Langley students will approach surveillance cameras as well as they welcomed Black Out Day. It doesn’t matter that the administration has the right to install surveillance cameras. The message of distrust will ultimately speak louder than practical reasoning.

As a student who has seen remarkable progress in the relationship between the administration and students over the years, I can say that that relationship is more valuable than any phone.