University of Arkansas: Drones on campus are a safety and security threat

This week, the University of Arkansas announced that it would prohibit drones from flying over campus grounds, unless the flight is specifically approved by the Provost and Vice Provost for Research and Economic Development. If someone wants to fly a drone over an athletic venue, then that flight has to be approved by the Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics.

In either case, the drone operator would have to show that they are in compliance with FAA requirements, as well as in compliance with any federal or state laws that may pertain to drone flight.

University Police director Steve Gahagans cited safety and security as factors in the university's decision: “Drones and model aircraft can be useful, even fun, but are also potentially dangerous—if they malfunction they could injure anyone on the ground,” he said. “Beyond that there’s the potential that they could be intentionally used as weapons. And finally they could potentially be used to take video or still images that violate student or employee privacy.”