WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) police are investigating the possible use of a concealed camera after students reported a suspicious device in a Pelican Hall bathroom, leaving some students concerned about their privacy.
Investigators have not determined whether anyone was recorded, UNCW officials said.
Students reported the device Tuesday, Nov. 10, and police identified a student who lived in the residence hall as its owner, the university stated. The student was removed from the hall Tuesday and from campus Wednesday, Nov. 11, pending the investigation.
The university said investigators have not determined how long any alleged activity occurred or whether recordings were shared. Police seized electronic evidence and are working with partner agencies to analyze it.
The university said investigators have not determined how long any alleged activity occurred or whether recordings were shared. Police seized electronic evidence and are working with partner agencies to analyze it.
UNCW said a sweep of Pelican Hall bathrooms found no other electronic devices. On Thursday, Nov. 12, university officials said they found no additional suspicious devices in residence hall bathrooms across campus following inspections.
University communications staff and police said they have no updates and will not do interviews before the investigation is complete.
Cordell Wright said the news left him feeling uncomfortable and violated.
“I’m super concerned about who did it, where it happened, if anything’s recorded,” Wright said.
Student Ava Neuville said she wants more information about what happened.
“I understand keeping the privacy of the people who experienced this, but I really do think that we have a right to know what happened,” Neuville said.
Hannah Wineinger said she now checks campus bathrooms before using them.
“After finding out what happened, I’m like really uncomfortable,” Wineinger said. “I go in every bathroom now and just kind of check to be sure.”
Nicholas Tantillo said he initially struggled to believe the news.
“At first I was like, this is not true; there’s no way this is true,” Tantillo said. “It’s screwed up, like why, why would you do something like that? Who would even think of doing something like that?”
Isaac Holden said he did not expect something like this to happen so close to him.
“There’s no way that happened here like that close to us on our floor you know,” Holden said.
UNCW said it will contact anyone investigators identify as potentially affected and connect them with support. Students do not need to wait to be contacted or have confirmation they were recorded to seek help, the university said.
Confidential advocacy is available through CARE, and confidential counseling is available through the Counseling Center. The Office of Title IX and Clery Compliance can explain reporting options and help coordinate academic, housing or other supportive measures, according to UNCW.
The university provided the following contact information:
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