School System Accused of Voyeurism

In February, a high school student and his family against the Lower Merion School District for using a security measure installed in school issued laptop computers as a means to spy on students.

The laptops, which are issued by the school, include webcameras and software that will allow school administrators to remotely activate the software. This measure was supposed to have only been taken if the laptops had been reported as lost or stolen.

The laptop in question, however, has never been reported as lost or stolen. The computer is alleged to have captured as many as 1,000 images of unsuspecting students in various stages of sleep, instant messaging sessions, and various stages of dress. During the course of the investigation, several other students’ cameras were also activated without their laptops being reported as missing as well.

“A substantial number of webcam photos have been recovered in the investigation,” school board President David Ebby said in a statement Friday. “As we have made clear since day one, we are committed to providing all of the facts — good and bad — at the conclusion of the investigation.”

Carol Cafiero, one of the school’s technology coordinators, was questioned by the boy’s attorney about the matter and has exercised her fifth amendment right against self incrimination. Only Cafiero and fellow technician Michael Perbix were authorized to activate the webcams.

Mark Haltzman, the boy’s attorney, was able to quote emails between Cafiero and a colleague who have stated that viewing the captured webcam issues is like watching “a little LMSD soap opera”. Cafiero is alleged to have responded with, “I know, I love it!”

The school district alleges that it has no evidence of the alleged webcam abuse, but both Cafiero and Perbix are on paid leave while the incident is investigated.

Hundreds of parents have opposed the lawsuit. The FBI has become involved and there is talk of a possible class action lawsuit.