Here is another nomination for the category of dumb people. The principal of the Kastanjeskolan (Chestnut School) in Tomelilla Sweden wants to install surveillance cameras. Now while I really believe surveillance cameras in schools is a really bad idea I would not nominate the principle for this alone.
On being asked about the implications on student privacy the principal allegedly answered that it was not a violation of privacy since there would be signs informing the students that there were surveillance cameras in action.
Whoa! Your privacy is not violated if you are informed? What a dope. The principal of the school apparently does not get the difference between privacy as a basic right and the purpose of informing people about potential violations of privacy.
First we must argue the question of whether minors are really capable of grasping the privacy implications of video surveillance (many adults are not). Secondly, the children attending the school have no real choice but to attend the school – therefore informing them of cameras is not the same as providing them with the opportunity to make informed choices since they lack the real freedom to choose.
Additionally the installation of camera surveillance in schools sends a very peculiar message to the students.
Considering the lack of insight and obvious lack of thought displayed by the principal parents should seriously consider whether this is the right school for the children…
(via Infontology)