University fire code prohibits propping open dormitory doors, but for Spelman Hall resident Josh Schroeder '03, breaking the code — using doorstoppers and duct tape — is the only way to prevent his door from bolting shut.
In a meeting of the University Residence Committee on Friday, Schroeder spoke against the University policy of installing self-latching, self-locking doors in dormitories during renovation.
He said these doors — which have no button for unlocking — are an unnecessary security measure and prevent family and friends from accessing his room in his absence.
Schroeder said students have a right to decide whether they want to unlock their doors and risk theft. "We can take responsibility for ourselves and decide whether or not to lock our doors," he said.
He said the automatically locking doors are inconvenient not only to students but also to University employees.
Lisa DePaul, assistant director of housing, said self-locking doors prevent intruders from harming students who fall asleep in their rooms with the door unlocked.
"Anything the University can do to facilitate security is more appropriate than worrying about convenience type of issues," she said after Friday's meeting.
Schroeder told the committee that self-locking doors can also pose a security threat in the event of a fire, when students may be locked into their rooms without anyone knowing.
"I think the policy is wrongheaded in terms of security," Schroeder said in an interview, adding that he thinks the University has a safe environment.
"The buildings themselves are secure with the prox system," which theoretically prevents non-University residents from entering, Schroeder said.
He added that if the University genuinely thought the unlocking doors posed a safety threat, it would have already changed all the doors in all the dormitories.
Though the committee does not yet have a response for Schroeder, DePaul said, "We had a good in-depth discussion and the recommendations will go to the director of housing."
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