TO THE EDITOR:
After reading the letter to the editor, “An unnecessary show of force,” submitted in response to the police presence at the Oct. 24 screening of “The Purge: Anarchy” in the Student Union, I hope that I can provide greater context for the situation. As an employee of the Union, I have enjoyed working with the Carolina Union Activities Board to help host different films for students. The Department of Public Safety officers routinely check in during these events to monitor students’ safety because they often end considerably late.http://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2014/10/letter-an-unnecessary%20show%20of%20force
Although I did not work the Friday showing that involved the presence of DPS officers, I appreciated having access to the information that they provided to my co-workers about handling potential situations when I worked the subsequent screening of the film (during which no police officers came) on Saturday night.
DPS responded due to concerns that the student anarchist group would engage in protest activities that could damage the Union’s equipment. According to my co-workers, the officers were nothing but respectful to staff and patrons and in no way “threaten[ed] violence” or prevented the anarchist group from rightfully distributing its information. I personally can’t speak for the Student Union, but as a student, I commend DPS for its professionalism and commitment to protecting student and taxpayer-funded property.
I also wish to thank Mr. Bell for his military service and for his awareness about potential sources of abuse and exploitation in our community. However, I hope that he will reconsider his injunction of his daughter from attending our institution.
Kevin Waid
Senior
Political scienceKevin Waid
