Sixteen Cornell students were relocated from their off-campus housing last week after one of them discovered a hidden camera in her apartment. The building's landlord, David A. Church, 44, of 307 College Ave., has since been charged with 10 counts of second-degree unlawful surveillance, a class E felony, for allegedly videotaping Cornell and Ithaca College students who were renting his apartments.
"I am deeply troubled and concerned about allegations that a landlord in Ithaca has grossly violated the privacy of his tenants, a number of whom are Cornell students. The safety and well-being of our students is of the highest importance to us," Cornell President Jeffrey Lehman said in a statement issued Aug. 26. "Our first priority at the university is to support students who are affected by this case."
Susan Murphy, vice president for student and academic services, convened a crisis management task force to aid the displaced students with emergency housing, psychological support and other aid, which includes help with moving and storage of their belongings, financial support from the Students Helping Students fund and advice with legal issues.
Lehman thanked the Ithaca Police Department for its quick response to the students' reports of possible illegal behavior, adding, "We will continue to give law enforcement agencies our full cooperation and work with city authorities and agencies to safeguard the well-being of our community and its young people."
Ithaca police are continuing their investigation.
Cornell students who are directly affected by this incident can receive emergency housing and other support from the university so that they may conduct their academic activities with the least amount of disruption possible. Students are encouraged to call the following offices for emergency assistance, advice and support:
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