A student-led petition calling for the removal of Flock security cameras from Samford University’s campus has gained more than 250 signatures since its creation Thursday, Oct. 8, raising new questions about student privacy and university spending.
The petition, titled “DeFlocking Samford’s Campus,” was created by students Jackson Gill and Nate Purino in response to concerns surrounding the university’s use of automated license plate readers. Within its first 12 hours, the petition garnered approximately 200 signatures. As of Saturday morning, Oct. 10, it had reached 258 verified signatures, with a current goal of 500.
“As a student at Samford University, and like many of my peers, I believe our college should foster a safe and welcoming environment that respects our privacy and civil liberties,” Gill and Purino wrote in the petition. “However, the recent installation of Flock cameras around campus has left many of us feeling uneasy and monitored.”
Flock cameras capture license plate numbers, vehicle information and the times and locations of vehicle activity.
While the technology is intended to assist law enforcement investigations, the petition argues that its use raises concerns about data privacy and potential misuse.
Beyond privacy concerns, the petition questions whether the cameras are an appropriate use of university resources.
Citing publicly available contracts, the petition estimates annual subscription costs between $2,500 and $3,000 per camera, with additional installation fees. Based on six identified cameras, the petition estimates first-year expenses between $16,500 and $21,900. These figures are estimates provided by the petition’s organizers, not confirmed expenditures by Samford.
Instead, the organizers suggest directing those funds toward improved campus lighting, emergency services and student mental health resources.
The petition has also drawn attention from Samford alumni, including 2019 graduate Emily Drennen, who expressed frustration with the university’s decision.
“I’m class of ’19 and this move is infuriating and causes me to feel a lack of trust in campus administration,” Drennen said. “I’ve been circulating the petition calling for their removal.”
Drennen, a former communications major, said her education at Samford encouraged her to think critically and question the world around her.
“In that spirit, I’ve yet to hear a justification for the use of Flock cameras in general and specifically on Samford’s campus,” Drennen said.
In previous reporting by The Crimson, Samford Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety Tommy Taylor defended the cameras as tools for protecting the campus community and assisting law enforcement investigations. Taylor also emphasized that information collected through the university’s security systems is held in strict confidence and shared only when necessary for investigations.
Despite the petition’s call for removal, its organizers maintain that their goal is to encourage discussion rather than direct criticism of university officials.
“This isn’t an effort to attack or criticize anyone, but simply to raise attention to a national and campus topic that has gained traction,” Gill and Purino wrote.
The petition remains open for signatures on Change.org as the debate over campus surveillance continues.
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