When an issue affects students as much as the proposed "Canyon cameras" does, students cannot be left out of the discussion and deliberation over it.

State College Borough Council originally planned to vote on whether to install surveillance cameras on the 200 to 300
block of East Beaver Avenue, an area commonly known as "Beaver Canyon," at its May 5 meeting.

Several Borough Council members opposed the date, however, because it coincides with the beginning of Penn State's finals week.

Students who don't have finals might have been planning to leave before then and those who are in State College might be too busy studying to get involved in the discussion, counting out most students.

We, too, worry about such a time conflict. These cameras will target students the most. Students are the ones who live in the apartment buildings whose balconies could be recorded, and students are the ones who frequent that area of town the most.

With these concerns in mind, council members said during their Monday meeting that they might consider moving up the final date to April 21.

We laud the council for recognizing the importance of incorporating student voices and encourage it to finalize its plans for the moved-up date.

State College Police Chief Tom King, who at the council's request has compiled a proposal for the cameras, will present his findings early and the council will begin discussing the issue at its work session Monday night.

The work session is open to the public, so students should use this forum to let council members know how they feel about the proposed cameras. The council has given students the chance to have their voices heard, now it is our responsibility to take advantage of this opportunity.

Whether you support or oppose the cameras, or if you are undecided and want more information, you should plan to attend the work session at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the State College Municipal Building, 243 S. Allen Street.

If not to voice your opinion, at least attend to show council members that you are concerned about the issue and to inform yourself. Students' voices deserve to be heard.