University trades privacy

for false security
As an independent political scientist and writer, I always appreciate every opportunity to familiarize myself with diverse viewpoints on world affairs, even when I already have my own strong opinion (such as Israeli terror against Palestinians). Therefore, I was curious about a lecture organized by the pro-Israeli Caravan For Democracy, in which “prominent international speakers” were advertised. I wanted to see and hear people with opinions different from my own.
But when I came to the Erb Memorial Union, I was shocked to see that each person planning to attend the lecture had to fill in a mandatory questionnaire and show picture identification just to get inside. There are no words strong enough to describe how indignant I was.
When I expressed this to one of the organizers, she reacted arrogantly and explained that they were collecting information “for security reasons.” It’s very strange indeed, because during my eight years in Eugene, I’ve attended hundreds of various lectures on and outside the University campus, and I was never required to answer any intrusive questions or to show ID.
I don’t mind answering questions and providing personal info about myself, for example, in order to get a credit card. But since that lecture was a public event, they had no right to force people into compromising their personal privacy. This issue is much wider than just University policy. I hope in this country, people’s right to privacy is still at least a little respected and protected, including at our University.

Valdas Anelauskas

Eugene