UCSD Students Conduct Mock Pat Downs

Demonstrators criticize TSA screenings

It is officially holiday travel season and for many people this means flying.

Students at UCSD set up a mock TSA screening check point protesting what they feel are invasive security measures when traveling.

"You have nothing to fear unless you're hiding something," the students sarcastically told their peers on Monday afternoon.

The students are a part of the Young Americans for Liberty club which works toward creating a more free society.

The students acted as TSA agents and encouraged their colleagues to take part in a mock airport check point.

The group says their goal is to make students realize the techniques used by the TSA need to change.

β€œWhat the TSA does is hiring the government to violate the rights of their citizens which doesn't make any sense and is actually counterproductive to finding out who is actually a suspect and who isn't a suspect,” said Angad Walia of the Young Americans for Liberty at UCSD.

The TSA says their current system is effective though. TSA officials say the process for screening is getting better with the technology available.

β€œWe know what to expect every Christmas and Thanksgiving so we have the appropriate staff and appropriate tools and we are constantly trying to make the process better, make are technology better, make a security screening process better," said TSA Spokesperson Tico Melendez

The TSA screens over 2 million passengers daily. The association recently changed one procedure. Children 12 and under do not have to take off their shoes and they will not be targeted for the security pat-downs.
 

Contact Us