A professor at UNC’s business school, Larry Chavis, is raising concerns about the way the university is investigating his class conduct. The associate dean of the Kenan-Flagler Business School informed him via a letter that his classes had been recorded using the classroom’s Panopto camera without his knowledge. Several class sessions were reviewed without his prior consent.
Chavis expressed his concerns about the letter having a chilling effect on both himself and his students. He worries that students may feel uncomfortable knowing that their interactions in class could be monitored by people outside the classroom. This unexpected recording has raised questions about privacy and trust within the classroom setting.
The investigation into Chavis’s conduct began following reports received by the Kenan-Flagler Business School over the past few months. Chavis suspects that the investigation may have been triggered by him reading an email exchange between himself and the dean to his class. He is troubled by the potential impact of the recordings on the open and trusting environment that is essential for effective learning.
Chavis shared a personal example of a student discussing a sensitive topic in class, unaware that the conversation was being recorded. He emphasized how this lack of awareness could alter the dynamics of classroom discussions. UNC has issued a statement acknowledging the situation and highlighting their adherence to applicable laws regarding the filming of classes. The professor’s concerns about privacy and trust in the classroom remain at the forefront of this controversy, as he continues to advocate for greater transparency and accountability in university policies surrounding surveillance and monitoring in educational settings.