Investigation Launched into Secret Recording of UNH Law School Faculty Meeting
Secret Recording of UNH Law School Faculty Meeting Leads to Ongoing Investigation
The University of New Hampshire Police Department is investigating an illegal recording of a faculty meeting that took place at the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law. The recording allegedly ended up in the hands of Fox News, leading to the investigation. The UNH Law School community is encouraged to step forward with any relevant information.
Secret Recording of UNH Law School Faculty Meeting Leads to Ongoing Investigation
February 13, 2023 - On November 15th, 2022, a group of faculty and administrators at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law gathered in a classroom to discuss policies surrounding student groups on campus. Little did they know, they were being recorded without their knowledge. The recording eventually ended up in the hands of a Fox News editor. Now, the University of New Hampshire Police Department is investigating the illegal recording, which is a potential felony crime under the state's wiretapping law.
The meeting was about membership policies for student groups, a topic that had become a hot button issue as two Christian-aligned student groups sought official recognition. The footage was allegedly recorded by someone without the attendees' knowledge and then ended up in the hands of Fox News.
Approximately one month after the meeting, the five attendees were contacted by a Fox News editor who stated they had seen footage of the meeting. To date, no article citing the recorded meeting has been published.
UNH Police have asked for the public's help in identifying the source of the leaked meeting and have set up a tip line. The investigation is ongoing, and it is not known if the alleged recording was audio or video, or if it captures the entire meeting or only portions.
The alleged recording of the meeting has raised concerns over privacy and trust on campus. Some students are applauding the school's transparency, while others are worried about the threat of surveillance on campus. Some student groups are even considering moving their meetings off campus due to these privacy concerns.
UNH Law School Dean Megan Carpenter wrote in an email to students and faculty, "To say that we all feel the impact and a sense of lost trust is an understatement." She encouraged anyone with relevant information to step forward and help the law enforcement officials and administration.
The illegal recording at the UNH Law School has sparked a wider conversation about privacy and trust on college campuses. The ongoing investigation is a reminder that even in private meetings, it is essential to be aware of our surroundings and potential threats to our privacy.