DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — An individual has been banned from Danville Area Community College after being caught watching children changing through a dressing room camera, according to the police.
The incident took place last month during performances of Alice in Wonderland by Spotlight Performing Arts. The third-party security guard’s conduct appeared suspicious and was reported to DACC authorities. When officers arrived at the Bremer Theater and Conference Center, they discovered the person had been viewing security camera footage for extended durations with no security-related reasons.
“Knowing there was a man on camera watching [the children] in the room, it’s upsetting for all of them,” Nicole Atkins commented. “Regardless of the presence of a camera, an honest person would have turned it off and monitored from the hallway.”
Atkins’ 9-year-old daughter was one of about 50 others involved in the production.
“She’s in dance and all that, but this was her first theater and now she doesn’t want to join another theater production because she’s scared this is going to happen again,” Atkins said.
DACC Interim President Randy Fletcher sent an email to parents about the incident. That was the first time Atkins and others learned about the security guard’s actions.
Fletcher said the security guard’s actions were reported to campus security who then notified Danville Police. WCIA reached out to DACC officers on Tuesday, who did not say why the extra security was needed.
“[DACC has] their own police officers, their own everything, so I don’t even understand how a third party was even allowed to be in there to watch it,” Atkins said.
Fletcher said DACC’s internal investigation found the security guard did not copy, save or transmit any video from the dressing room camera.
Spotlight Performing Arts Executive Director Bailey Thompson said none of the performers were ever fully undressed.
“Our highest priority is creating a safe, welcoming, and empowering space for all children,” Thompson said in a statement to WCIA. “That will never change. If anything, this situation has made us more committed than ever to safeguarding that mission.”
The Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said an investigation by the Danville Police and her office found there is no criminal conduct to be charged. That’s unsettling for Atkins who wonders how similar instances can be prevented in the future if no legal action is being taken.
“It’s upsetting that the guy is pretty much being told it’s okay that you sit in front of a camera and watch girls change, but go home,” Atkins said.
Thompson feels similarly, saying the impacted children deserve more from the legal system.
“While this chapter may be over legally, for us, it is not over morally or ethically,” Thompson said. “We will continue to fight for the kids involved and for the justice they deserve. These children matter deeply, and their experiences should not be dismissed or overlooked.”
DACC has since issued the security guard a lifetime ban from campus. That means officers could arrest the person for trespassing if found at any DACC campuses, facilities or events.
