SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Administrators at Santa Clara University were handed a citation from the fire marshal for failure to adhere to the fire code, causing the university to rush plans for the installation of magnets in dormitory rooms.
The City of Santa Clara Fire Marshals cited the institution for violating California Fire Code Section 703, which requires all doors in the residence halls remain closed unless someone is entering or exiting.
Doors are allowed to stay open as long as they have “hold-open devices,” which are comprised of magnets connected to the buildings’ fire alarm system. In case of an emergency, the doors can close on their own, serving as a barrier to help residents get to safety.
Currently, campus policy encourages students to keep their dormitory rooms open. However, students living in the residence halls are required to keep their doors closed at all times until the magnets are installed. Administrators fear this new policy will hinder growth throughout the residence hall community.
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