There seems to be some confusion about the security phone system that is supposed to be installed at 17 locations throughout the NIU campus.

There are two separate issues that are causing confusion about the security phone system. The most important issue is delayed installation of the phones because of a lack of funds.

If any NIU student were to look at their bill from the bursar’s office, they would probably see a large sum of money after the listing of student fees. Included in this student fee should be a one-time fee of $3.24 for the installation of security phones.

The scary thing about the situation is there is plenty of talk about the need for money, but no one is saying what happened to the money contributed by students.

It is possible that there are problems in the bursar’s office that might cause a delay in paying for the phone system, but that should have been accounted for when fees were allocated.

The other confusing issue is, if concerned groups like the Sexual Assault Task Force have “mixed feelings” about the phone system, why didn’t they get involved and state any lack of support before the student fee was approved?

Whether or not we agree with the need for the system is irrelevant at this point. Since we are already paying for the security phone system, the Student Association should get moving and make it happen.